Peter Mandelson’s links to both the Kremlin and Jeffrey Epstein were well-known before his appointment to the most important diplomatic post. The Prime Minister has given a notorious liar access to very sensitive information, undermining our national security.
The Prime Minister’s insistence on the appointment of Peter Mandelson is hugely embarrassing, and his attempts to deflect blame onto well-respected civil servants are disgraceful. The Prime Minister, by his own admission, had seen documents that proved Mandelson’s close links to the Kremlin and Beijing before appointing him. The Prime Minister allowed Mandelson to view secret intelligence before vetting was complete. We now know that the Prime Minister showed a “dismissive approach” to the vetting procedure.
In today’s emergency debate, secured by the Conservatives, I spoke about my own concerns about this process. Most importantly, for the safety and security of my constituents working at HMS Warrior. The Minister was unable to provide any certainty for my constituents.
