British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under fire for appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite his initial failure of security vetting. Starmer expressed anger over not being informed about Mandelson's vetting status, saying it was 'unforgivable.'
The disclosure has intensified pressure on Starmer, with the opposition seeking his resignation. A report by The Guardian revealed that Mandelson's vetting clearance was overruled by the Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post.
Downing Street confirmed that the prime minister had no prior knowledge of Mandelson's vetting failure and that the clearance was ultimately approved by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Starmer has accused Mandelson of creating a 'litany of deceit' about his ties with Jeffrey Epstein and has apologised while defending himself. The controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment for Starmer, with local elections due in England and regional votes scheduled in Scotland and Wales in May.
