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4,303 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSecurity VettingI do not understand that he had access to STRAP material before he took up his post as ambassador. He did have access after he took up his post, and that is why I have ordered a…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 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 VettingThat was a routine meeting in the course of a visit I was on in the US.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 VettingPeter Mandelson was given developed vetting clearance. That was the clear position.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingIn a case such as this—in relation to such a sensitive post—I do not think it is right that somebody should be appointed at all if the UKSV recommends that clearance is not given.…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThat is why I have asked for a review of the entire process: so that it can be looked at from start to finish, including the question of whether there should be any circumstances…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 VettingI understand that to be the case. Obviously— [ Interruption. ] No, I am only saying that it was not my decision to withhold it. I understand, if I have understood Sir Olly’s…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI understood the procedure to be that the appointment was made subject to the security vetting. [ Interruption. ] That is what I was told. The question the hon. Lady raises is the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have set out to the House the facts of what happened in this particular case. I am staggered and I find it unbelievable that I was not given the information I should have been…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 VettingIt was insufficient because all it told me was that the recommendation of UKSV was to deny the clearance. What it did not tell me was who then provided the clearance, why they did…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 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 VettingLet me answer that in relation to Sir Olly, and let me start by saying he has had a distinguished career. I must say that, and I do say that. Still, notwithstanding that, he…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingIn September it became clear to me that in relation to the due diligence that had been carried out by the Cabinet Office, Peter Mandelson had been asked questions by my staff and…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingAll the appropriate and necessary developed vetting has taken place in No. 10. Everybody has passed that. [ Interruption. ] They have all passed it.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 2026