Contributions
4,303 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSecurity VettingWe have taken a number of measures in relation to crypto—20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingYes, I will.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingBecause he did not bring to my attention information that he should have brought to my attention. Had he done so, I would not have made the appointment.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have read that evidence, and it remains my strong view that the recommendation of UKSV could and should have been shared with me, and could and should have been shared with the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThe first I knew that there had been a recommendation to deny clearance was Tuesday evening of last week. The security clearance had been given by the Foreign Office before Peter…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI have dealt with that issue on a number of occasions.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI understood it to be subject to developed vetting, but it was because of the process that, in September 2025, I asked Chris Wormald to do a review for me of the process, and he…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 VettingHe was given clearance—those are the facts as I have set them out.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingNo, I did not mislead the House of Commons. I accept that information that I should have had, and that the House should have had, should have been before the House, but I did not…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingWith respect, I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman’s analysis. I certainly agree that the information that is provided into the process by the applicant has to be protected; as…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThe information that was fed into the review, and the reasons for the review, are protected. This is not a Peter Mandelson issue; it is about the integrity of the process. What I…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI simply do not accept that there is any good reason why I could not have been provided with the information that was withheld from me. Had it been provided to me, I would not…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 VettingYes, we will comply with the Humble Address in full. That is the process that is going on.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingYes, it was my decision. It was an error of judgment, and that is why I have apologised to the victims of Epstein. I have done that again today, and it is right to do so. In…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingWhat happened in January was that developed vetting clearance was given by the Foreign Office. That was the simple fact of the matter. It was only last week that I found out the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThat is why I have asked for a review to be carried out in relation to material that could have caused any national security issues.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI was not provided with the information that I should have been provided with. Had I been provided with it, I would not have made the same decision. It was not negligence; it was…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI thank my hon. Friend for her campaigning on behalf of those victims and many other victims in relation to abuse and sexual abuse in particular and for her insistence always that…20 Apr 2026