Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2025 to Question 23476 on USA: Diplomatic Service, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Lord Mandelson's previous interests in relation to China.

There is an established mechanism in place for the management of interests held by all Senior Civil Servants. This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. I can confirm that this mechanism applies in the usual way to Lord Mandelson's appointment. In line with guidance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not publish declarations of interest.