UK Starmer says unaware of security lapse in Mandelson security vetting

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
April 22, 2026
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he was unaware of a security lapse in Peter Mandelson's vetting.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he was unaware of any security lapse regarding Peter Mandelson's security vetting, despite facing parliamentary scrutiny. Starmer was questioned over his decision to appoint Mandelson as Britain's top diplomat to Washington, a move that reportedly brushed aside security concerns. The Prime Minister continues to face calls for resignation from the opposition following testimony from former top civil servant Olly Robbins. Robbins claimed there was an "atmosphere of pressure" from Downing Street to approve Mandelson's appointment. FRANCE 24's Bénédicte Paviot reported on the situation from London.

What's Being Done

Starmer faced calls to resign from the opposition after former top civil servant Olly Robbins testified about pressure regarding the appointment.

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