- Concerns have been raised that Lord Peter Mandelson, who was sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US on Thursday due to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, did not clear MI6 security vetting.
- Sources told The Independent that was due to Lord Mandelson’s alleged business links with China and past associations with Epstein, a convicted paedophile.
- It is claimed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pushed through Mandelson's appointment despite these reported security service objections.
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that vetting was conducted “in the normal way” when questioned about the claims.
- The appointment was already controversial, with Trump initially hesitant to accept Mandelson due to security concerns, though Sir Keir ultimately secured his acceptance.
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