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News Wire / politics

Prime Minister Faces Inquiry Over Vetting Pressure

Times Radio UK London 15d15d Impact 5

Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's former chief of staff, stated he made a serious error when recommending Peter Mandelson for the role of US ambassador. The debate is expected to continue as MPs consider accountability to constituents and the opposition. He stated he did not speak to Oli Robbins about the appointment or start date. He noted having one or two conversations with Philip Barton during a wider Zoom call focused on proceeding at pace. McSweeney provided this evidence during a session regarding Mandelson's appointment as the US ambassador. Zakir Starman's former chief of staff has denied allegations of swearing at the head of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's former chief of staff, stated he made a serious error when recommending Peter Mandelson for the role of US ambassador. The debate is expected to continue as MPs consider accountability to constituents and the opposition. He stated he did not speak to Oli Robbins about the appointment or start date. He noted having one or two conversations with Philip Barton during a wider Zoom call focused on proceeding at pace. McSweeney provided this evidence during a session regarding Mandelson's appointment as the US ambassador. Zakir Starman's former chief of staff has denied allegations of swearing at the head of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated that comments made by Britain's ambassador to Washington, Christian Turner, were private and informal remarks made to UK sixth form students in early February. Turner had reportedly suggested that America's only special relationship is likely with Israel. McSweeney asserted that no one in Number 10 was dismissive regarding national security matters. The Prime Minister denied accusations that he misled MPs regarding the vetting process for the US Ambassador role. A Select Committee is investigating whether the Prime Minister misled MPs regarding whether due process was followed and if pressure was exerted on Foreign Office officials. Former civil service boss Sir Philip Barton testified that he was not aware of any such pressure.

Topics

Peter Mandelson Morgan McSweeney US Ambassador UK Politics

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Sources · 7 independent

Times Radio UK

“Prime Minister's former chief of staff says he made a serious error when recommending Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.”

BBC Radio 4

“Stammer's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney has told the Foreign Affairs Committee that he made a serious error of judgment by advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as US Ambassador.”

LBC London

“o'clock Sakea Stammer's former chief of staffs admitted it was a serious”

BBC Radio 4

“Sakir Stammer's former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney has told the Foreign Affairs Committee that he made a serious error of judgment by advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as US Ambassador.”

LBC London

“Sakea Stammer's former chief of staffs admitted it was a serious but denied urging the foreign office to skip vetting. The Prime Minister relied on my advice and I got it wrong.”

Times Radio UK

“The Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff has denied officials”

Times Radio UK

“The Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff has denied officials steps at any part of the process. I don't think I spoke to Oli Robbins about the appointment or the start date.”

BBC Radio 4

“Saqqea Stammer's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has said he was wrong to advise the prime minister to send Lord Mandelson to Washington.”

Times Radio UK

“Zakir Starman's former chief of staff has denied swearing at the head of the foreign office and putting pressure on him over the appointment.”

BBC Radio 4

“The Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff has told a committee of MPs that Downing Street's applied no pressure to officials about the vetting of Lord Mandelson.”

BBC Radio 4

“Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister's former chief of staff, said that no point was anyone in number 10 dismissive about national security.”

Times Radio UK

“The prime minister's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, says the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a serious error. He's also told MPs that staff were driven to implement the PM's decisions quickly, but his officials weren't pressured to skip steps.”

Times Radio UK

“McSweeney is also told MPs that staff were driven to implement the PM's decisions quickly, but his officials weren't pressured to skip steps.”

LBC London

“The Prime Minister has denied accusations he misled MPs over whether the vetting for the role of US Ambassador followed due process and over his assertion that no pressure whatsoever was applied to officials at the Foreign Office.”

LBC London

“The meat of today really is about whether or not the Prime Minister misled MPs on two different points... Sir Philip was asked about both these points on pressure he said he was not aware of any”

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