Mandelson took US ambassador role without prior security vetting

19 September 2025 , 12:40

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Mandelson took US ambassador role without prior security vetting

Lord Peter Mandelson did not undergo national security vetting before he was appointed as the UK ambassador to the US by Keir Starmer, the foreign secretary has stated.

In a letter to the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Emily Thornberry, the newly appointed foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the vetting was conducted by the Cabinet Office.

Ms. Cooper was asked the following: “What security concerns were raised by the agencies undertaking security clearance ahead of Peter Mandelson’s appointment?”

She answered: “The Propriety and Ethics Team in the Cabinet Office (PET) carried out a due diligence process prior to the announcement of Peter Mandelson’s appointment on 20 December 2024 at the request of No. 10.

“The FCDO was not asked to contribute to this process and no issues were raised with the FCDO as a result of this process. This was not a security check.

“After Peter Mandelson’s appointment was announced, the ambassadorial appointment process started, including National Security Vetting, in anticipation of him assuming his post.”

Sophia Martinez

World Affairs Correspondent