UK Government Blocks Oral Testimony from Mandelson Vetting Aide as Sacking Controversy Intensifies

Ian Collard, a civil servant who led the security team within the Foreign Office, will not provide oral evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee. The Foreign Office declined the committee's request, stating Collard will only submit written testimony. Dame Emily Thornberry, the committee's chair, confirmed she is satisfied with the department's reasons for this arrangement, though the committee reserved the right to request oral evidence later.

The committee sought Collard's testimony as part of an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins. Sir Olly, a senior civil servant, was sacked last week. His dismissal followed his decision to grant security clearance to Lord Mandelson, reportedly against an explicit recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), the government agency responsible for national security checks. Crucially, Sir Olly also did not inform No 10 about this clearance.

Sir Olly Robbins claimed he never saw an explicit denial recommendation, stating he received only a verbal briefing describing UKSV's view as "borderline" and "leaning towards denying clearance." This account contrasts with the government's assertion of an explicit recommendation against approval. The government is now investigating whether Sir Olly was given correct information before he approved the clearance.

Amidst this, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the situation. He stated he does not accept the argument that informing the Prime Minister about Sir Olly Robbins' sacking was inappropriate. This highlights the government's firm position regarding accountability in high-level vetting processes.

A review, led by retired judge Sir Adrian Fulford, is currently investigating the vetting process for Lord Mandelson. This independent review will specifically examine whether the briefing Collard provided to Sir Olly accurately reflected UKSV's definitive recommendation. The Foreign Affairs Committee has requested Collard provide written answers to specific questions, including details on how often his team made different recommendations on vetting than those contained in the UKSV report.

Next, the Foreign Affairs Committee will hear evidence from Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff. His testimony may shed light on whether any pressure was applied to civil servants to expedite the vetting process. The outcome of these ongoing inquiries and further committee proceedings will continue to shape the political debate surrounding government appointments and security protocols.