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Olly Robbins and Mandelson’s vetting: what did he do, why – and who knew?

revelation that Robbins had cleared Mandelson’s appointment despite him failing his security vetting has electrified the question of who knew what and when. Speaking on Friday, [Keir Starmer](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/keir-starmer) emphasised that

Monday briefing: How is it possible the prime minister didn’t know about Mandelson’s vetting failure?

revelation](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/16/revealed-mandelson-failed-vetting-but-foreign-office-overruled-decision) that during the process of appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, the former New Labour “prince of darkness” failed UK security vetting – something Keir Starmer says

Revealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision

revelation that the now former ambassador was not granted clearance by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), a division of the Cabinet Office that scrutinises the background of prospective civil servants, will raise further questions about