"Starmer stated, 'I made the decision to appoint him after receiving final advice on the due diligence process on 11 December 2024,' emphasizing the timeline of events leading to Mandelson's appointment."
"Despite Mandelson's known links to Jeffrey Epstein and previous ministerial resignations, Starmer insisted that the appointment was made subject to security clearance, which was a standard procedure."
"Starmer criticized the Foreign Office, stating, 'UKSV recommended to the Foreign Office that developed vetting clearance should be denied to Mandelson,' highlighting the conflict between security recommendations and final decisions."
Keir Starmer provided a comprehensive timeline regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK ambassador to the US. He outlined the vetting process, which included a due diligence exercise by the Cabinet Office. Despite Mandelson's controversial past, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and previous ministerial resignations, he was appointed after receiving final advice on December 11, 2024. Starmer emphasized that security vetting typically occurs post-appointment but before starting the role, and criticized the Foreign Office for overruling the UK Security Vetting's recommendation against Mandelson's clearance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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