Security Vetting Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Security Vetting

Desmond Swayne Excerpts
Monday 20th April 2026

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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The information was withheld from me and from the Cabinet Secretary, who was conducting a review on my behalf. That became clear yesterday, and I have set out the facts to Parliament.

Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
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On 4 February, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition asked the Prime Minister:

“did the official security vetting that he received mention Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with… Jeffrey Epstein?”—[Official Report, 4 February 2026; Vol. 780, c. 259.]

The Prime Minister replied, “Yes, it did.” What on earth was it that the Prime Minister received and was talking about that my right hon. Friend referred to as the official security vetting? He said that he had received it.

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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The due diligence report.