Starmer would have blocked Mandelson role over vetting failure, says Lammy

"David Lammy emphasized that had Keir Starmer known about Peter Mandelson's failure to pass security vetting, he would have never appointed him as ambassador. Lammy expressed his shock at the lack of communication regarding the vetting process, particularly concerning Oliver Robbins' departure from the Foreign Office, stating it was inexplicable that Downing Street was left uninformed about the vetting outcome."

"Starmer described the situation as staggering and unforgivable, highlighting the importance of being informed about security vetting outcomes. Lammy noted that there were time pressures in confirming Mandelson's appointment, especially with Donald Trump re-entering the White House, which may have contributed to the oversight in the vetting process."

David Lammy stated that Keir Starmer would have prevented Peter Mandelson from becoming the UK's ambassador to Washington had he been aware of Mandelson's failed security vetting. Lammy expressed shock over the lack of communication regarding the vetting outcome, particularly concerning Oliver Robbins' departure from the Foreign Office. Starmer and Yvette Cooper were also unaware of the situation until recently. Lammy acknowledged time pressures in confirming Mandelson's appointment as Donald Trump was entering the White House, which may have influenced the decision-making process.

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