Collard to Give Written Evidence Only as Mandelson Vetting Row Intensifies

A key civil servant will not provide oral evidence in the ongoing Lord Mandelson vetting controversy, intensifying scrutiny on the process that led to Sir Olly Robbins' dismissal.

### Context The Foreign Affairs Committee sought oral testimony from Ian Collard, a civil servant who managed the Foreign Office's internal security team. This request came amid growing questions about the security clearance process for Lord Mandelson, who was considered for the role of UK Ambassador to the US.

The UK Security Vetting (UKSV), the national body responsible for conducting comprehensive background checks on individuals requiring access to classified information, reportedly advised against approving Lord Mandelson's clearance. The subsequent decision to grant this clearance, despite the UKSV's reported recommendation, initiated a formal review and public scrutiny.

### Key Facts Ian Collard will now provide only written evidence to the parliamentary committee. Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated she is satisfied with the reasons for Collard not providing oral evidence at this stage. She indicated that the committee reserves the option to request further oral testimony if the written submission proves insufficient.

This development follows the dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins last week. Sir Olly, the former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office, approved Lord Mandelson's security clearance. This approval occurred against the stated recommendation of UKSV and without informing Downing Street of the recommendation.

Further testimony is scheduled for Tuesday before the Foreign Affairs Committee. Morgan McSweeney, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is set to appear.

### What It Means Collard's provision of written evidence means the committee's immediate focus will shift to the detailed content of those documents. This will allow further investigation into the precise information flow within the Foreign Office regarding the vetting process.

The testimony from Morgan McSweeney is anticipated to provide insight into the Prime Minister's office involvement and knowledge of the vetting procedure. His direct account will be crucial for the committee as it examines the extent of pressure, if any, placed on civil servants during the clearance process. A retired judge, Sir Adrian Fulford, currently conducts an independent review into the vetting process, specifically examining the briefing Sir Olly Robbins received. The outcome of McSweeney’s testimony and Collard’s written statements will factor into this broader investigation.