Sacked UK Civil Servant to Testify on Mandelson Vetting Controversy

Sir Olly Robbins, the former permanent under secretary at the UK Foreign Office, is set to give evidence in Parliament following his dismissal last week.

He was removed from his post after Prime Minister Keir Starmer discovered Robbins had not disclosed that Lord Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting for the ambassador role in Washington.

Robbins had served as the lead civil servant at the Foreign Office since January 2025.

He is expected to explain his decision not to inform the Prime Minister or other ministers about the vetting failure, citing his interpretation of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which he believed restricted sharing the vetting conclusions.

The Prime Minister and his allies maintain a different interpretation of the law, arguing Robbins should have shared the information.

Robbins is reportedly upset by his dismissal and the personal criticisms of his conduct.

A close associate noted Robbins' usual professional detachment, contrasting with the current situation.

This controversy has raised questions about the vetting process and transparency within senior government appointments.

The issue remains politically sensitive, given Mandelson's high-profile status and the implications for government accountability.

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