During a session in the House of Commons, Emily Thornberry used explicit language as Olly Robbins, a dismissed senior civil servant, was testifying about Peter Mandelson’s vetting controversy.

While Sky News was airing the hearing live, Thornberry’s use of profanity led to an apology from the network to its viewers.

The incident happened when Liberal Democrat Richard Foord referenced a conversation involving Morgan McSweeney and Sir Philip Barton using strong language, prompting Thornberry to express agreement with Foord’s statement.

Thornberry was heard urging for quick approval, leading to a tense exchange between the individuals involved.

Robbins, in response to a question about his predecessor Philip Barton, mentioned feeling pressure and a lack of respect during the transition period.

Sky News presenter later apologized for the language used during the live testimony, emphasizing that the channel cannot control the language but expressing regret if any offense was caused.

Robbins was dismissed after Keir Starmer discovered that he had withheld information about Mandelson’s failed vetting process for the US Ambassador role.

During a subsequent House of Commons session, Starmer mentioned that officials intentionally kept him uninformed about Mandelson’s vetting outcome.

In today’s hearing, Robbins clarified that there was no explicit requirement for Mandelson to undergo vetting based on the documents submitted, nor was there any mention of vetting in the official communications.

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