Former MI6 chief Richard Dearlove has stated it would have been “totally impossible” for the Foreign Office to implement mitigations to manage Peter Mandelson’s associations with senior figures in China, Russia, and Israel during his tenure as UK ambassador to the United States.
Background on Security Vetting Concerns
On Wednesday, the Guardian revealed concerns that led security officials to recommend denying Mandelson developed vetting clearance in early 2025. Despite this, former permanent secretary Olly Robbins granted clearance, citing “management actions” to mitigate identified risks. Dearlove questioned the feasibility of such measures.
“The whole thing is completely extraordinary,” Dearlove said. “What mitigations could you put in place? The only mitigations I can think of is that certain papers circulated in the Washington embassy cannot be viewed by the ambassador. That would be totally impossible.”
Dearlove added: “When I was head of MI6, if I’d been warned not to share papers with a minister or ambassador, I’d have asked to discuss the situation with the foreign secretary or the prime minister.”
Specific Concerns Raised by Vetting Agency
Multiple sources told the Guardian that the government’s vetting agency flagged Mandelson’s links to China’s finance minister Lan Fo’an, sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and former Israeli military intelligence general Tamir Hayman. UK Security Vetting (UKSV) also noted a close relationship with a fourth British individual that could be compromising, and a £1 million loan Mandelson received for an Israeli startup.
UKSV recommended denying clearance, but the Foreign Office granted it within hours.
Political Reactions and Parliamentary Scrutiny
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, expressed anger over the revelations, questioning Robbins’ earlier testimony that UKSV regarded the case as “borderline.” Robbins has not responded to requests for comment.
Next month, the government is due to release documents related to Mandelson’s appointment following a parliamentary humble address. However, the intelligence and security committee has accused the government of withholding documents and applying redactions “far too broadly.” MPs from across the political spectrum have criticized the Cabinet Office’s handling, with two openly accusing the government of a “cover-up.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called the situation “an utter disgrace,” stating that “glaring warning signs were wilfully ignored.” Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel described the appointment as “reckless,” citing Mandelson’s links to Russia and China.
Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones defended the government’s redactions and denied a cover-up. A spokesperson for Hayman said he has no personal connection with Mandelson. The Cabinet Office said it is committed to complying with the humble address. The Foreign Office and representatives for Mandelson, Robbins, Lan, and Deripaska have been contacted for comment.
