Key figure in Mandelson vetting controversy refuses live parliamentary evidence

Ian Collard, a senior civil servant involved in the security vetting of Lord Mandelson, will not appear in person before the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Instead, Collard will provide written evidence regarding the vetting process amid an ongoing investigation.

The committee had requested Collard's live testimony to clarify details surrounding the clearance granted to Mandelson despite the vetting team's recommendation against it.

Collard was responsible for briefing Sir Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office head, on UK Security and Vetting's (UKSV) advice not to approve Mandelson's security clearance.

Robbins was dismissed last week after it was revealed he granted clearance contrary to UKSV's recommendation and failed to inform the Prime Minister's office.

Robbins has stated he only received a verbal briefing describing the vetting team's view as "borderline" and "leaning towards recommending that clearance be denied," and denied seeing an explicit written recommendation.

The government is investigating whether Robbins was provided with accurate information before approving the clearance.

A review led by retired judge Sir Adrian Fulford is underway to assess whether Collard's briefing accurately reflected the vetting team's position.

This review is significant in determining the appropriateness of Robbins' dismissal by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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