Keir Starmer continues to carry on business as usual while the revelations keep pouring in. The Guardian exclusively published important new details about the concerns flagged by security officials when the disgraced peer and New Labour architect was granted security clearance against the advice of the government's vetting agency.
Background of the Scandal
Peter Mandelson, a former cabinet minister, was appointed UK ambassador to the US in 2024 by Keir Starmer. This posting ended in disgrace after US files exposed his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A Guardian investigation revealed Mandelson was granted security clearance despite the UK's vetting agency (UKSV) recommending denial. The Foreign Office permanent secretary, Olly Robbins, made the decision to grant clearance with mitigations. Robbins was later sacked, and Starmer called the failure to brief ministers "unforgivable."
New Revelations
Sources told the Guardian that the vetting agency's 2025 summary file flagged concerns about Mandelson's associations with senior figures in China, Russia, and Israel. Specifically, the file mentioned China's finance minister Lan Fo'an, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and Tamir Hayman, former head of Israel's military intelligence. Additionally, a £1 million loan Mandelson received to invest in Israeli startup Moon Active was flagged, which was not declared in the House of Lords register of interests. The agency noted Mandelson appeared "naive" about how his relationships could be exploited.
Parliamentary Battle
Parliament used a humble address to compel the government to release all papers related to Mandelson's appointment. The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) is assessing sensitive documents. There are concerns the government is withholding key materials. The Cabinet Office insists it is committed to complying with the humble address.
Unanswered Questions
Key issues include whether national security was compromised during Mandelson's seven months in post, why the loan was undeclared, and what mitigations Robbins put in place. Parliament seeks clearer understanding of how risks were managed.
