Peter Potts
7.1K posts
EXCLUSIVE: Lord Mandelson was given approval for the highest level of security clearance during his tenure as British ambassador to the US despite failing vetting, The Times has been told Mandelson was given access to ‘strap 3’ material, the highest level of security clearance and is reserved for information which, if leaked, would present a security risk in itself or could put intelligence sources at risk Mandelson’s appointment was announced in December 2024, despite warnings from officials about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier and paedophile, and his business links to China and Russia On January 28, UK Vetting Security advised against appointing Mandelson. While the precise reason is not clear, it is said to relate to his foreign links rather than his relationship with Epstein Robbins was informed of the assessment, determined that the risk was manageable and gave him approval for security clearance known as “developed vetting” Shortly before his appointment, Mandelson was told to formally apply for strap clearance, but was warned it could take “at least three months”. The Times has been told that it was done quickly because of the significance of his role. A government source said this was not unusual for senior positions Strap three information is shared on a “need to know” basis and as British ambassador to the US, this was likely to have included intelligence on China, Russia and other foreign powers thetimes.com/article/4e05b5…
Here's the official government position on the Mandelson vetting scandal this morning, according to Liz Kendall: * Olly Robbins was 'wrong' not to tell the PM that Mandelson had failed security vetting, he was 'wrong' again not to do so when the PM repeatedly claimed in public - incorrectly - that due process had been followed * The PM would not have given Mandelson clearance if he knew that he had failed UK Security Vetting * No 10 asked 'repeated questions' about Mandelson's vetting and was told 'due process' had been followed. These questions, and the responses, are now key * Starmer allies are warning allies that changing leaders now - at a time of global and economic instability - would be reckless
Just pointing out that I broke the story 7 months ago that Mandelson failed vetting from the security services and put it to Downing Street...so the idea that Downing Street only found out on Tuesday is complete nonsense. independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
