Concerns that Mandelson did not pass MI6 vetting for US ambassador role

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"Serious concerns have been raised that newly sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson did not clear security vetting for the role but the prime minister pushed through his appointment anyway. The row has broken out amid serious questions being asked about the prime minister's judgement by political opponents but also MPs in the Labour Party after Mandelson became the latest high profile sacking by the prime minister of issues that should have been picked up before. Sources have told The Independent that MI6 failed to clear the Labour peer largely because of concerns over his business links to China. However, there were also worries that his past links to the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein would compromise him."

The Independent covers issues from reproductive rights and climate change to Big Tech, prioritizing on-the-ground reporting and investigative work. The outlet highlights investigations into Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and a documentary, 'The A Word', about American women fighting for reproductive rights. The publisher solicits donations to fund reporters and maintains free access to reporting, relying on contributions from those who can afford it. Serious concerns emerged that newly sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson did not pass security vetting, with sources citing MI6 worries over business links to China and potential compromise from past links to Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesman said vetting was done by the FCDO in the normal way.

Read at www.independent.co.uk