Security Vetting Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Security Vetting

Claire Young Excerpts
Monday 20th April 2026

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Claire Young Portrait Claire Young (Thornbury and Yate) (LD)
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To override the outcome of the developed vetting process, the FCDO must have been under pressure from someone. Ditching a tried and tested ambassador for a high-risk one seems odd behaviour for a Prime Minister who claims to be so fond of proper process. Whose idea was it, and who was applying the pressure?

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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I reject the idea that any pressure is a good reason not to disclose to the Prime Minister that UKSV recommended against clearance for a very senior, sensitive appointment. I simply do not accept that that is an adequate reason, whatever the pressure.