- Dame Emily Thornberry stated there is "most definitely blame on both sides" in the dispute between Sir Keir Starmer and ex-Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins.
- She criticised Sir Olly Robbins for not informing the prime minister about issues with Lord Mandelson's vetting, despite having overridden them.
- Thornberry also condemned the government for exerting "appalling" pressure on Robbins and his predecessor, Philip Barton.
- As chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, she presided over the questioning of Sir Olly regarding his decision not to inform the prime minister about Mandelson's vetting outcome.
- She deemed it "completely wrong" for the government to conduct Mandelson's vetting after the approval process, which placed "ridiculous pressure" on the Foreign Office, and supported Sir Keir Starmer retaining his position.
IN FULL
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