Sir Keir Starmer has instructed the Foreign Office to clarify the circumstances surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US. This directive follows revelations that the department disregarded security vetting protocols to approve Mandelson for the role.

The Prime Minister was reportedly unaware of the decision to grant Mandelson developed vetting, contrary to the advice of UK Security Vetting. In response, he promptly tasked officials with investigating the reasons behind this departure from standard procedure. The Foreign Office has assured that they are actively cooperating with this inquiry.

Downing Street sources have disclosed that the Prime Minister is deeply displeased by these developments. The controversy arose after reports from The Guardian indicated that security officials had initially denied Mandelson clearance. However, the Foreign Office later intervened, going against the recommendation and granting the clearance after the Prime Minister had already announced Mandelson’s appointment.

Sir Keir has maintained that due process was adhered to in Mandelson’s appointment and refuted allegations that Mandelson misled authorities about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite claims that security services independently cleared Mandelson for the ambassadorial position, reports suggest that the Cabinet Office’s UK Security Vetting did not approve Mandelson following a confidential vetting process last January.

A Government spokesperson clarified that the decision to grant developed vetting to Mandelson was made by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials, bypassing the advice of UK Security Vetting. Upon learning of this, the Prime Minister immediately called for an inquiry to understand the rationale behind the decision.

While speculations circulate that a statement may be issued to Members of Parliament on Monday, No 10 has not confirmed this. Additionally, Sir Olly Robbins, the top civil servant at the Foreign Office, has been summoned to provide further explanations to the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the matter.

Various political figures have weighed in on the controversy, with calls for Sir Keir to resign emerging from the Green Party and Reform UK. Lord Mandelson, a political appointee rather than a career diplomat, was dismissed from his ambassadorial post in Washington last September due to revelations about his association with Epstein.

The saga continues as questions linger over the judgment exercised in appointing Mandelson, particularly concerning his ongoing ties with Epstein despite prior convictions. The vetting process, comprising both public domain checks by the Cabinet Office and confidential background vetting by security officials, has come under scrutiny for its handling of Mandelson’s clearance.

In the wake of these revelations, stakeholders have demanded accountability and transparency in decision-making processes within the government. The fallout from this incident has prompted introspection and calls for reform to prevent similar lapses in the future.