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Lammy says Starmer would have blocked Mandelson over vetting failure
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Keir Starmer would have blocked Peter Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment had he known Mandelson failed security vetting. The remarks come as it emerged red flags were not disclosed to Downing Street, prompting questions about due process and ministerial accountability ahead of Parliament questions. The case has drawn cross-party calls for resignations or investigations.
Why It Matters
The episode raises questions about the handling and disclosure of security vetting for high-level government appointments and parliamentary accountability.
Timeline
9 Events
Downing Street: red flags in vetting not disclosed by Foreign Office
April 19, 2026
Downing Street said red flags in Mandelson's vetting process were not disclosed to them by the Foreign Office.
Parliamentary questioning scheduled for Monday
April 19, 2026
Lammy noted that Keir Starmer was due to answer questions about the scandal in Parliament on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Lammy contradicts known vetting outcomes, comments on Starmer's response
April 19, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Keir Starmer would have blocked Mandelson’s appointment if he had known Mandelson had failed vetting, highlighting concerns about how information was handled.
Ed Davey calls for Privileges Committee investigation
April 18, 2026
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey called for an investigation by the Privileges Committee into whether the prime minister intentionally misled Parliament.
Cooper: request for review of vetting information
April 18, 2026
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the Foreign Affairs Committee that she had asked for a review of the information given to MPs to ensure it was fully accurate and said ministers were not told sooner about vetting issues.
Lammy comments on Sir Olly Robbins’ departure
April 2026
Lammy described the departure of Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office's top civil servant, as surprising and connected it to the vetting row.
Late March 2026: Romeo learns of vetting failure, informs PM after review
March 2026
Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo reportedly learned of Mandelson's security vetting failure in late March 2026 and had to assess the circumstances and legal implications before informing the prime minister.
Mandelson removed as ambassador after Epstein ties revealed
September 2025
Mandelson was removed from the ambassadorial post in September 2025 following disclosures about his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Peter Mandelson formally took up the UK ambassador post in Washington
February 2025
Mandelson formally took up the position as UK ambassador to the United States in February 2025.