Mandelson's Ambassador Vetting: Robbins Sacked for Refusing to Disclose

0:00It's April 21st. You're listening to Europe News today, AI-powered coverage from every European capital. Sir Oli Robbins, the former top foreign office boss, just testified that number 10 had a dismissive vibe toward Peter Mandelson's security vetting. For the UK ambassador, Gagan Washington, despite red flags from the vetting team, Mandelson got developed vetting clearance anyway, and Robbins got sacked last week by the prime minister for. Not spilling those details to ministers. The whole thing kicked off before Robbins even started his job in January 20th, 2025. Mandelson's appointment was already announced. The king had approved it, the US was on board, and he was dipping into highly classified briefings on case-by-case basis without full clearance. Robbins stressed his team ran the full process despite pressure from number 10, knowing a rejection could have sparked big headaches for the government. MPs revealed the vetting agency flagged two high concern boxes on Mandelson's form, recommending denial, but Robbins only heard it was a borderline, call from foreign office staff.

1:05He clarified the risks weren't tied to Jeffrey Epstein, and that the foreign office pushback hard when cabinet office suggested skipping checks, because of Mandelson's peer status. Dropping him risked friction with Donald Trump's incoming team, and number 10 even floated another lord for an ambassador spot. Now the prime minister stands by sacking Robbins, but Tories like Kimmy Botanock are calling it proof he misled parliament on the rushed process. Robbins is eyeing legal advice on aspiring, so this saga might drag on.