Contributions
4,303 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEngagementsI spent many years prosecuting paedophiles who are now in prison, so I really do not need lectures from Reform about this.22 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI will ensure that the review covers all relevant issues and material, and I will take into account what the right hon. Gentleman has just said.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have dealt with that issue on a number of occasions.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingIt is not a claim that I was not told; I was not told, and I do not think anybody is disputing that. The clearance was given on 29 January 2025. That information was not provided…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI acted on the information that was provided to me in the due diligence process. The information that was dealt with in the security vetting process was not made available to…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingNo. What I knew was that security clearance had been given by the Foreign Office, in the way that I have set out to the House.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThat is why I wanted to give the House all the relevant information, which I have given at some length this afternoon.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI do not agree with the hon. Member’s point about vetting in relation to political appointments, but I do agree that the due diligence for direct ministerial appointments should…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. [Laughter.] I have laid out the relevant facts. It is absolutely clear that nobody is suggesting that this information was made…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI did ask Sir Chris Wormald to carry out a review. I worked on the basis that all the relevant information would be shared with him. It was only last week that I found out from…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingYes, I made a commitment in relation to that legislation, and work is progressing on it.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThe fact of the matter is that Peter Mandelson was given developed vetting clearance before he took up his post as the ambassador, and that was a decision that was taken by the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingIn relation to the right hon. Lady’s question, let me be clear: I should not have appointed Peter Mandelson. As soon as the further revelations came to light, I did ask the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingPeter Mandelson was given security clearance, and that was clear to everyone, including myself. [ Interruption. ] He was given clearance; he was cleared. He would not have started…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI do agree with my hon. Friend, and I thank her for making sure that the victims are central to this, as they should be.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI do not believe that they did. This was UK security vetting carried out in the way I have described to the House. The issue is that the recommendation was not shared with me.…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have accepted that that was my decision and I have apologised for it.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have made it clear that I knew what was in the due diligence. I have also made it clear that the FCDO granted security clearance before Peter Mandelson took up his post.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity Vettingrose—20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have set out the procedure in some detail. Information should have been provided to me. It was not provided to me. If it had been provided, I would not have allowed the…20 Apr 2026