Starmer and Badenoch clash at PMQs over Mandelson’s vetting – what was said

Politics
22 Apr 2026 • 7:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Sir Keir Starmer stated that the evidence provided by sacked senior civil servant Sir Olly Robbins vindicates him against allegations of misleading Parliament regarding Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
  • Sir Olly, the former Foreign Office chief, confirmed to a committee of MPs that he did not inform Sir Keir, No 10, or other ministers about security vetting officials recommending against Lord Mandelson's appointment.
  • Despite confirming the government's story, Sir Olly also noted a 'dismissive approach' from No 10 regarding vetting and an 'atmosphere of pressure' to ensure Lord Mandelson's appointment proceeded.
  • During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir defended his decision to sack Sir Olly, asserting that the failure to bring 'red flags' from the UK Security Vetting agency to his attention was a serious error of judgment, and had he known, Mandelson would not have been committed to the post.
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of failing to follow due process and misleading the House, calling for his resignation, despite Sir Keir's insistence that Sir Olly's testimony cleared him of dishonesty.

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