Security Vetting Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Security Vetting

Richard Foord 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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Absolutely, my focus and that of the Government is on the fact that we are facing a war on two fronts, with serious consequences for our country, and that we absolutely need to deal with the cost of living, which is the No. 1 issue for all our constituents up and down the country.

Richard Foord Portrait Richard Foord (Honiton and Sidmouth) (LD)
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How did views from the United States Administration affect the decision in the Foreign Office to persist with Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington DC after the vetting advice was received there?

Keir Starmer Portrait The Prime Minister
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I do not believe that they did. This was UK security vetting carried out in the way I have described to the House. The issue is that the recommendation was not shared with me. That was a matter here in the United Kingdom.