Foreign Office Blocks Ian Collard Appearance Before MPs Over Mandelson Vetting

Ian Collard, the civil servant who oversaw the Foreign Office's security team, will not testify orally before the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the vetting of Lord Mandelson. Dame Emily Thornberry, the committee's chair, confirmed the Foreign Office's decision to decline the request, stating Mr Collard would only provide written evidence.

Mr Collard was the official who briefed Sir Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office Permanent Secretary, on UK Security Vetting's (UKSV) recommendation to deny clearance for Lord Mandelson's proposed appointment as Ambassador to the US. Sir Olly was subsequently dismissed after it emerged he had granted clearance despite the recommendation and had not informed Downing Street.

The government maintains that UKSV explicitly recommended against approving Lord Mandelson's vetting. However, Sir Olly informed MPs that he never saw an explicit recommendation, receiving only a verbal briefing describing UKSV's view as "borderline" and "leaning towards recommending that clearance be denied."

A review is being conducted by Sir Adrian Fulford, a retired judge, to ascertain whether Sir Olly received accurate information before approving Lord Mandelson's security clearance. This investigation is expected to scrutinise whether Mr Collard's briefing accurately reflected the vetting team's assessment.

Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, is scheduled to give evidence to the committee on Tuesday. Mr McSweeney, who advised the Prime Minister on Lord Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment, is anticipated to face questions regarding potential pressure on civil servants to expedite the vetting process. This follows Sir Olly's accusation of a "dismissive" attitude from Downing Street towards the procedure, a claim Downing Street has denied. The controversy continues to fuel scrutiny among Labour MPs regarding Sir Keir's judgement.