UK Prime Minister Asserts Officials Kept Former Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Secret From Him

Concerns Over Mandelson’s Security Clearance

The Prime Minister’s Office alleges that the Department of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development may have withheld crucial information regarding former Ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Sky News’ political editor reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated his government did not inform Mandelson about his security clearance due to concerns raised during the review, particularly about Mandelson’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Sources have stated that neither Starmer nor Foreign Secretary David Lammy was aware that Mandelson’s clearance allegedly contradicted the recommendations of UK security authorities.

Recent scrutiny has focused on senior civil servants in the Foreign Office, notably Olly Robbins, who is the top official. Starmer has raised internal questions about the vetting process after a report from the Guardian. Despite ongoing investigations, it appears the Foreign Office failed to disclose that Mandelson had been granted clearance despite significant objections from the reviewing authority.

In a recent development, officials are expected to clarify matters in the House of Commons on Monday. There has been talk of correcting previous misinformation given during Congress. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Prime Minister is working to establish the facts surrounding the review process.

Additionally, Downing Street has stated that neither Keir Starmer nor David Lammy were aware of Mandelson’s failed security check, placing the blame on officials from the Foreign Office for overturning the original decision.

On March 16, Starmer mentioned that “due process was followed” in appointing Mandelson but acknowledged flaws in the system, describing the outcome as a “mistake on my part.” Downing Street now claims that vital details were withheld from Starmer regarding Mandelson’s security clearance and prior parliamentary addresses.

Robbins reportedly lost his position after authorities dismissed the suggestion to grant Mandelson security clearance. Both Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed a lack of confidence in Robbins due to these developments.

According to parliamentary rules, ministers can only breach standards if they intentionally mislead the House of Commons. Starmer’s allies seem to be constructing a defense based on the argument that he could not have misled MPs without being fully informed. Rigby has mentioned that Starmer plans to address the House on Monday.