Security Vetting

Zarah Sultana Excerpts

Monday 20th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

The fact of the matter is that Peter Mandelson was given developed vetting clearance before he took up his post as the ambassador, and that was a decision that was taken by the FCDO.

[Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Your Party)]

In September, the Prime Minister stood at that Dispatch Box and told the House that he had full confidence in Peter Mandelson, a man whose relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was public knowledge. The Prime Minister knew, and backed him anyway; now, he claims he had no idea that this twice-fired Government Minister had failed MI6 vetting, despite journalists putting that directly to Downing Street that very same month. We all know that the Prime Minister appointed Mandelson because he owes his job to him. He appointed him, he defended him, and now he claims to know nothing. He is gaslighting the nation, so let us call this out for what it is: the Prime Minister is a barefaced liar, and if he had any decency left—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Leave now—I will name you otherwise. I would go now, if I were you.

[Zarah Sultana]

Mr Speaker, I have a duty—

[Mr Speaker]

I am about to name you. I have given you the option to leave—I would leave if I were you, very quickly. Move before I read this out; I am giving you one option.

[Zarah Sultana]

I have a duty—

[Mr Speaker]

You have no duties. I have a duty to carry out, which is to control this House. One chance—do you want to leave now, or not?

[Zarah Sultana]

Mr Speaker, I have a duty to the House and my constituents to also tell the truth that the Prime Minister is a liar.

[Mr Speaker]

Right—I call the Whip to move the motion.

Zarah Sultana, Member for Coventry South, was named by Mr Speaker for disregarding the authority of the Chair (Standing Order No. 44).

Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 44), That Zarah Sultana be suspended from the service of the House.—(Gen Kitchen.)

Question agreed to.

Mr Speaker directed Zarah Sultana to withdraw from the House, and the Member withdrew accordingly.