Mark Sedwill

Following Sir Olly's evidence, the Foreign Affairs Committee has today requested that Cat Little, Ian Collard, Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney attend and give evidence. Cat Little will give evidence tomorrow at 9am. Morgan McSweeney will attend Tuesday.

Exclusive Sir Keir Starmer should retract his accusations against Sir Olly Robbins and reinstate him, former cabinet secretary Lord Sedwill says In a letter to The Times he points out that the PM appointed Mandelson against official advice, without conducting security vetting and was 'well aware' of the issues surrounding Mandelson, including his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein 'In his evidence to the foreign affairs committee, Sir Olly Robbins displayed the calm integrity and intelligence which have characterised his distinguished career of public service 'The prime minister appointed Peter Mandelson against official advice, announced that appointment without security vetting having been completed and claims that he would have changed his mind had he been told that the vetting process had raised the concerns about Mandelson’s previous conduct of which he was already well aware. 'As Robbins explained yesterday, the question for him was not whether to tell the prime minister what he already knew, but whether those issues could be mitigated enough to allow Mandelson access to the secret intelligence necessary to do his job. He made the professional judgment that they could 'Unwisely as it turned out, he shouldered his responsibilities rather than shunting them 'The prime minister should retract his accusations against Olly Robbins and reinstate him to the job the country needs him to do of getting the diplomatic service into shape for the second quarter of the 21st century.

Olly Robbins acted with the calm integrity and intelligence that have defined his public service. His job was to judge whether #Mandelson’s risks could be mitigated, not tell the PM what he already knew. Starmer should retract his accusations and reinstate him.

“President Trump is clearly particularly exercised by the enriched uranium and that could be the most difficult factor in this.” Lord Mark Sedwill, former British diplomat and National Security Advisor, gives us his analysis of the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US.

President Trump has criticised western allies and called on them to 'build up the courage' to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Former national security adviser Lord Sedwill says the Gulf countries do not agree with the comments, but do want other nations to help get the route open.

Given the understandable focus this weekend on the UK’s lack of air defences, I’m reposting a link to The Wargame podcast Last April, we simulated a Russian ballistic and cruise missile attack on the UK and how a fictional government COBR might respond podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the…

My article in The Independent. We need armed forces designed for Global Britain as well as NATO First. That means expeditionary forces operating worldwide but ready to fight in Europe if deterrence fails. But right now we need to sort out the erosion of our existing force an avoid the embarrassment of taking over a week with heroic efforts by the Navy to get one serviceable destroyer en route to the Med. Political commitments must become delivery programmes. Now. Fast. independent.co.uk/voices/uk-arme…

Does the UK pay a price for the delay in military deployment amid the war in the Middle East? Former National Security Adviser Lord Sedwill says yes, and that 'there will be consequences' including frustration from the US and allies in the Gulf.

Trump’s Iran war aims are far from clear – but the UK cannot afford to use international law as an alibi ✍️ Lord Sedwill politicshome.com/opinion/articl…

@AmbJohnBolton Interesting piece from my friend, Trump critic and arch neo-con John Bolton. The key question is whether the Trump Admin has a real “day after” plan or whether this is “hit and hope”.

Washington’s objective of eliminating threats from the ayatollahs, the IRGC, and Iran’s nuclear-weapons program is proper and justifiable. telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2026/0…

As voting closes later today for the next Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, it is truly an honour to be considered for the role. The University is entering a demanding decade. Funding pressures are real. Global competition is intense. Technology and AI are reshaping teaching and research. Academic freedom requires steady defence in a noisier public climate. The Chancellor does not run the University. But the ambassadorial role matters to strengthen alumni bonds across generations, support fundraising and partnerships, represent St Andrews credibly at home and overseas, and work with counterparts in other leading universities to protect and promote academic freedom and freedom of speech. St Andrews transformed my life. I want future generations to have the same experience and opportunities. I have really enjoyed the engagement with alumni, students and academic colleagues during my campaign. If I’m asked to serve as Chancellor, you can count on that same energy and commitment.

Congratulations to ⁦@AntoniaRomeoUK⁩. CabSec #15. She will bring dynamism, confidence and a reform agenda to the public service. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

As voting opens today for the next Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, it is truly an honour to be considered for this role. St Andrews transformed my life. I arrived here as a state-educated, first-in-family student and found a place of demanding teaching, strong values, broad horizons and a close community. It gave me confidence and judgement that shaped everything that followed. I am standing because I believe the University is entering a demanding decade. Funding pressures are real. Global competition is intense. Technology and AI are reshaping how we teach and learn. Academic freedom and serious scholarship require active defence in a noisier public climate. The Chancellor doesn’t run the University. That responsibility rightly rests with the Principal and her team. But the Chancellor can make a difference by representing St Andrews credibly at home and overseas, strengthening alumni bonds across generations, supporting long-term fundraising and partnerships, and being a clear public voice for academic freedom and freedom of speech. It’s also, I realise, the first time I have stood for election since becoming President of the St Andrews Athletic Union all those years ago. And I‘ve enjoyed every moment of the opportunity to engage across the St Andrews community. I am deeply honoured by the support and encouragement from alumni, students and academic colleagues. Voting runs from today until Sunday. If you registered to vote, please do take part. I hope I have earned your vote. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me. If asked to serve, I will do so with energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

3 priorities for St Andrews. #EverToExcel

Grateful to @thetimes for the opportunity to set out why universities, especially St Andrews, are a strategic national asset 👇 thetimes.com/article/06b04e…

St Andrews transformed my life. If I can help ensure future generations of students have the same opportunity as I did, I offer my service. #EverToExcel

Thank you for your support, James. Your family has been associated with the University for generations and your own commitment remains steadfast. Honoured to have your endorsement.

Honoured and touched by the messages of support, especially from students (even though they aren’t eligible to vote in this election) who told me how much they care about the University and its future, the challenges and opportunities ahead, the connection to older generations of alumni and their expectations of the next Chancellor.

5 things you might not know about my life and connection to St Andrews #evertoexcel #standrews

Spent time with students in St Andrews this week. Their concerns are quite different from mine in the 80s. Career prospects, AI changing work and learning, cost of living, climate and wider instability. But there’s still a strong drive to succeed. If asked to serve as Chancellor, I’ll back high quality learning and support students into the wider world.