The former chief Foreign Office official who was dismissed due to the approval of security clearance for Peter Mandelson is set to be questioned by Members of Parliament on Tuesday. Sir Olly Robbins will be interrogated by the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the decision to grant clearance to the ex-US ambassador despite concerns raised during the vetting process.

During Sir Olly’s tenure as the top civil servant at the Foreign Office, a choice was made to override recommendations from UK Security Vetting to enable Mandelson to secure a prestigious position. Prime Minister’s Office (No10) clarified that Keir Starmer was not informed initially about the denial of clearance to the Labour figure. Following queries about potential misleading statements made to MPs and Parliament, the PM initiated an urgent investigation into the approval of Mandelson’s vetting. The appearance before MPs is scheduled shortly after the PM addresses the House of Commons on the matter.

In a recent development, a former Whitehall official, Lord Simon McDonald, criticized the abrupt dismissal of Sir Olly, suggesting that he was unfairly treated. McDonald highlighted the lack of due process and fairness in the decision-making process. He also contested the term “failed” used to describe the vetting outcome, emphasizing the nuanced nature of security assessments.

Keir Starmer has faced mounting pressure over his selection of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s representative in Washington last year. The former Labour politician, known for his association with Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, was tasked with assisting the PM in managing relations with US President Donald Trump. However, Mandelson was removed from his position after revelations emerged about his ties to Epstein within seven months of his appointment.