Badenoch grills PM over Mandelson vetting revelation
Badenoch grills PM over Mandelson vetting revelation
PM faces a heated Commons clash as Mandelson allegedly failed security vetting for the US ambassador post, prompting calls for clarity and accountability.
London — In a high-stakes Commons session, Kemi Badenoch pressed Keir Starmer on a bombshell disclosure about Peter Mandelson. It emerged that Mandelson had failed the UK security vetting process before his appointment as the United States’ ambassador, a detail that has set off a bruising political row. The claim, repeated after being scooped by a major national newspaper, centers on who knew what and when, and whether the government gave assurances that did not reflect the reality of the vetting outcome.
Badenoch delivered six questions to the prime minister, asking why the story had appeared on the front page without an official denial from Downing Street and whether ministers were aware of Mandelson's vetting issues prior to his appointment.
Starmer responded that he and other ministers were told only last week about the vetting failure and called the situation unforgivable, indicating a breakdown or delay in sharing crucial information.
The prime minister, returning to the Commons after a break, faced questions from the opposition about the vetting system and whether any changes were needed to prevent a repeat.
Downing Street had publicly claimed ministers did not have prior knowledge until last week, a line challenged by Badenoch and other MPs as the debate intensified ahead of more inquiries. The episode underscores ongoing scrutiny of senior appointments and the mechanisms meant to safeguard Britain's diplomatic postings.
