'Dismissive approach' from No 10 over Mandelson vetting process, former top official at UK Foreign Office claims

"There was a very, very strong expectation from No 10 that Mr Mandelson needed to be in post and in America as quickly as humanly possible."

"Due diligence had been completed by the Cabinet Office, and Mandelson was being granted access to highly-classified briefing on a case-by-case basis."

"Despite this atmosphere of pressure, the department completed DV to the normal high standard."

"I doubt there's a record of every phone call, but I'm sure there is a trail that explains that there was regular contact."

Olly Robbins revealed that Downing Street exerted pressure to expedite Mr. Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, despite his failed security checks. Robbins stated that the due diligence process was underway when he assumed his role in January 2025. He noted that the Cabinet Office had completed the necessary checks, but the atmosphere of pressure led to a dismissive approach to the vetting process. Robbins expressed doubt about the existence of a complete record of communications between the Foreign Office and No 10 regarding the appointment.

Read at Irish Independent