Committee publication · Correspondence · 18 April 2026 · HC 385
Letter from the Foreign Secretary, relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States, dated 18 April 2026
From: Foreign Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Summary
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper writes to the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair about security vetting irregularities in Lord Mandelson's appointment as British Ambassador to the United States. Cooper states that information relevant to the vetting process was not previously provided to Ministers, affecting parliamentary disclosure. The Prime Minister has launched a full investigation, and the FCDO will conduct a comprehensive review of all information given to the Committee on the matter.
Key findings
- Information concerning Lord Mandelson's security vetting was not previously provided to Ministers before his ambassadorial appointment
- The omission of this information affected what was disclosed to Parliament
- Prime Minister has instigated a full investigation with an update planned for Monday
- Nick Dyer appointed as Interim Permanent Under-Secretary following departure of Sir Olly Robbins
- FCDO to conduct full review of all information provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on the vetting process
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Yvette Cooper, Dame Emily Thornberry, Lord Mandelson, Sir Olly Robbins, Nick Dyer, Prime Minister, FCDO
Notable line
“It is of paramount importance that the information given to you by the FCDO is fully accurate.”
Key Quotes
“I am extremely concerned about information that has now come to light and the fact that it was not previously provided to Ministers – which has in turn affected information given to Parliament.”
“It is of paramount importance that the information given to you by the FCDO is fully accurate.”
“The Government of course remains committed to complying with the Humble Address of 4 February.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗