Three key statements Starmer made to MPs about Mandelson vetting
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended his handling of Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, denying he misled Parliament about the security vetting process. MPs rejected a motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee over allegations of misinformation. Starmer maintained that proper procedures were followed, despite evidence showing UK Security Vetting initially recommended against clearance.
- ▪Sir Keir Starmer stated there was 'no pressure whatsoever' regarding Mandelson's vetting, though Sir Olly Robbins acknowledged pressure from No 10 to expedite the appointment.
- ▪UK Security Vetting recommended against granting Lord Mandelson security clearance, but Sir Olly Robbins overruled this and approved it without informing the prime minister.
- ▪Sir Keir claimed 'full due process was followed,' but evidence emerged that vetting occurred after Mandelson's appointment was confirmed, contrary to standard procedure.
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| Original publisher | BBC News |
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| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:01:47 GMT |
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Three key statements Starmer made about Mandelson vetting28 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAnthony ReubenandBen Chu,BBC VerifyReuters/BBCMPs have voted against launching an investigation into whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer misled Parliament about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. The Conservative-led motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee was over several comments Sir Keir had made about Mandelson's security vetting.Mandelson was appointed ambassador in December 2024 and sacked the following September over his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.The prime minister called accusations that he misled MPs "totally baseless" and a "political stunt".Here, BBC Verify examines three statements he made in the House of…
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