Furious Starmer says Mandelson vetting failure is ‘unforgivable’

Politics
17 Apr 2026 • 6:12 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Furious Starmer says Mandelson vetting failure is ‘unforgivable’

  • The Prime Minister is reportedly "furious" after not being informed that Lord Peter Mandelson failed security vetting for his appointment as US ambassador.
  • Sir Keir Starmer is facing increased pressure and calls for his resignation following revelations that the Foreign Office overruled the security vetting process.
  • The Prime Minister is expected to address Parliament on Monday to "set out the relevant facts" regarding the controversy.
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the Prime Minister's resignation, accusing him of misleading Parliament, breaking the ministerial code, and withholding documents.
  • The controversy has already led to the departure of Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office's most senior civil servant.

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