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4,303 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSecurity VettingI was dealing with a very serious issue. I asked my team to establish urgently the facts on Tuesday night. I spoke to the former permanent secretary on Thursday night. As a result…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI did know the difference.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingA number of inquiries were made, questions were asked of the FCDO, and the answer they gave was the same. They did not disclose to me or anyone in No. 10 that UKSV had advised and…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingNo. What I did was ask for the process to be reviewed, and Sir Chris Wormald carried out that review. What transpired last week was that information was withheld from him in 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 VettingHe was given clearance—those are the facts as I have set them out.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 VettingThe situation was that, as part of the work being done on the Humble Address, this information came to light. Senior officials immediately took legal advice on whether it could be…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingAs I have said, the process was that the appointment was subject to developed vetting checks being carried out. Had I been made aware of the recommendation of UKSV, I would not…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 VettingBecause I wanted to know who took the decision, the basis upon which they took it, and who knew about the decision, so that I could set out a full account to the House, which is…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 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 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThat is precisely why I have asked for the entire developed vetting process to be reviewed by Sir Adrian Fulford, and I have made it absolutely clear to this House and to the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingI think that needs to be subject to the review, and that is among the reasons why I put the review in place.20 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingYes, I agree. The absolute focus needs to be on the fact that we are facing a war on two fronts and a cost of living crisis that this Government are gripping.20 Apr 2026HANSARDCovid-19 Inquiry: Module 4 ReportThe chair of the UK covid-19 inquiry has today published the inquiry’s module 4 report, which examines the development and implementation of vaccines and therapeutics during the…16 Apr 2026HANSARDEngagementsI have made it very clear that I think our national interest lies in close relations with the EU on defence, security, energy and the economy. I was very pleased that at last…15 Apr 2026HANSARDEngagementsMay I start by congratulating Luton Town on winning at Wembley—having been coached, of course, by Jack Wilshere, a great ex-Arsenal star? I am delighted that my hon. Friend’s…15 Apr 2026HANSARDEngagementsI wish my hon. Friend a speedy recovery. He obviously speaks with great authority and experience on our NHS, and he is right to point out that waiting lists are at their lowest…15 Apr 2026