A key figure in the Mandelson vetting row will not appear before MPs. Instead, he plans to submit written answers to a parliamentary committee.
Ian Collard, the Foreign Office’s chief property and security officer, had been invited to give evidence. However, he declined to attend in person. Committee chair Emily Thornberry confirmed the decision and clarified that Collard will respond in writing for now.
The Mandelson vetting row centers on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Concerns arose after officials flagged issues during his security checks. Earlier, MPs heard from Olly Robbins, who said Collard had briefed him on the vetting outcome. That assessment reportedly raised serious concerns about granting clearance.
Robbins also described an atmosphere of pressure around the process. According to his evidence, senior figures pushed for faster progress. To clarify the situation, Thornberry has sent detailed questions to Collard and set a deadline for his response. She wants to confirm whether his account matches Robbins’s testimony.
In addition, the committee is examining whether Collard felt pressure to approve clearance. It is also reviewing whether he saw key documents from UK Security Vetting, which reportedly flagged “high concern” findings. Further questions focus on advice given during the appointment process. Investigators also want to know if officials sought guidance on vetting requirements.
The Mandelson vetting row has already triggered major consequences, including the removal of Robbins from his post last week. Meanwhile, Morgan McSweeney is due to give evidence soon. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his position, stating he did not know the full vetting outcome at the time. He also stressed that routine pressure exists in government work.
He drew a firm line on security concerns and insisted no one asked officials to ignore vetting findings. At the same time, Cat Little told MPs that officials debated whether vetting was required, partly due to Mandelson’s role in the House of Lords.
The Mandelson vetting row continues to raise serious questions. MPs will now review Collard’s written evidence before deciding their next steps.
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