Mandelson failed security vetting. Starmer says he didn’t know

Lemonjam
once all is transparent next week will be the next hurdle
As we speak the grey suits are scrabbling around trying to work out what they are going to tell Starmer to say in parliament.
Of course they can’t tell us that the FO, MI6, MI5 make decisions that affect us.
They have to come up with something that will keep the natives happy.
I can’t count how many times today listening to talking heads where China has been mentioned.
Don’t forget that Mandelson had dealings with the Shien company when he owned and operated his finance/pr company.

sixandahalf

*So many people in the Labour party have been involved in dodgy or unprofessional dealings since they came to power just a short time ago*

Just to be clear I meant I fear this will add to the general cynisism and discontent with politicans. Therefore opening the door for chancers like Farage.

I hope I'm wrong.

Farage who is actually in the Epstein files and wanted us to join Trump in his war.

I have - this lunch time been talking to someone in the FO. It seems that no one in the FO is surprised at the way Robbins acted - and because he behaved as he did they are pleased to see him go.

This person agreed with me that it was Mandelson’s Machiavellian qualities that got him the job, but in reality Pierce was making a good fist of it and it was generally thought that she would have handled Trump well.

I sincerely hope that this brings an end to the policy of appeasement and we take an approach more like Carney.

I await next week’s disclosure before I finally make up my mind about Starmer, but at present I see no reason why he should not stay.

sixandahalf: So many people in the Labour party have been involved in dodgy or unprofessional dealings since they came to power just a short time ago

Crikey- and these 'dodgy and unprofessional dealings" how do they compare to the dodgy and unprofessional dealings of Farage, Nadhim Zahawi, Suella Braverman and Trice in the Reform Party may I ask? How do they compare to the dodgy and unprofessional dealings of another recent PM- Boris Johnson. "Opening the doors for Farage" really!

Is that the bar now is it? How reassuring.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Boris was kicked out for attending a small birthday gathering (which he did not plan) during covid. Starmer has been mired in scandal from his earliest days, but remains in office.
How?

He was not kicked out for that which was the least of his many misdemeanours. Have you conveniently forgotten about him trying to illegally prorogue parliament?

A former ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch, was critical of Trump (called him inept and insecure). Trump then refused to have anything to do with Darroch. Boris Johnson refused to support Darroch and Farage jumped on the bandwagon of criticism (as ever). Consequently, Darroch resigned. I would imagine Starmer wanted to appoint someone who was maybe not so "honest" in his opinion of Trump.

A slice of cake was all it took for BJ to be show the door. I think not.

Have we forgotten Liz ‘lettuce’ Truss, who wrecked the economy and still believes she did the right thing. I often wonder if her family still speak to her.

Ladyleftfieldlover

Have we forgotten Liz ‘lettuce’ Truss, who wrecked the economy and still believes she did the right thing. I often wonder if her family still speak to her.

And spends most of her time in America supporting Trump…

So much whataboutery!

No doubt, Keir is desperately trying to work out what to say next week. Of course, as he's already said, it will be someone else's fault. Despite the fact he said the being procedure had been followed.

Dennis Skinner (real politician) said, about the Tories,
When posh boys are in trouble they sack their servants.

That's our Keir

Rachel Gilmour in the House of Commons 16th September, 2025

a source from MI6 has reportedly claimed they failed to clear Mandelson

I cannot see how the PM can continue to deny any knowledge before 14th April 2026…

The full debate is on YouTube.

MayBee70

Ladyleftfieldlover

Have we forgotten Liz ‘lettuce’ Truss, who wrecked the economy and still believes she did the right thing. I often wonder if her family still speak to her.

And spends most of her time in America supporting Trump…

This isn’t about Liz Truss.

REKA

So much whataboutery!

No doubt, Keir is desperately trying to work out what to say next week. Of course, as he's already said, it will be someone else's fault. Despite the fact he said the being procedure had been followed.

Dennis Skinner (real politician) said, about the Tories,
When posh boys are in trouble they sack their servants.

That's our Keir

Is it whataboutery to make absolutely sure that you have bought a waterproof new umbrella before you throw out your old one in the middle of a thunderstorm?

GrannyGravy13

Rachel Gilmour in the House of Commons 16th September, 2025

a source from MI6 has reportedly claimed they failed to clear Mandelson

I cannot see how the PM can continue to deny any knowledge before 14th April 2026…

The full debate is on YouTube.

Do you have a link because I'm sorry to say I can't find it.

twaddle it’s also on X

I imagine there is a record at Hansard

Someone mentioned Johnson…

Galaxy

Is that the bar now is it? How reassuring.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that the bar is as low as it was, but unless there is a viable alternative (can you suggest one instead of hogging the moral high ground?) then it would be pointless for Starmer to resign in normal circumstances, and potentially disastrous for him to go in the current climate.

I hope Starmer hasn't lied because I think a leadership election at this time will be bad for our country but if he has then he does have to go. The ministerial code cannot be arbitrary and only apply to some but not all. I too commented on how low the bar is set when there were posters who at the time of Mandelson's appointment thought it was OK because of the need to match Trump and 'fight fire with fire'. I really don't think not being as bad as Johnson is a high enough bar to set.

Sad to say, I think the Tories set a very low bar, but from day one, Sue Gray time, Labour seem determined to go under it.

Starmer really ought to go, problem is who will replace him, the cupboard is bare, no leadership talent. I see some here recommend Cooper.........now I know I've come to a fun place.

No, it's not. But seriously, what is the alternative right now?

If (and it's not yet proven) Starmer has lied then he should go, but who would replace him? We'd be looking at Cooper, Rayner or Streeting probably (or possibly Lammy) and none of them has the experience or personality to take on Trump or deal with the international situation as Starmer is doing. It's a sad state of affairs, but it's the truth, I think.

Sorry, that was in reply to Rosie

If he has misled the house, is it ok for him to remain as PM just because there is no one else suitable?

Is that really a good precedent to set?

No. It's not.

So what's your suggestion?

GrannyGravy13

twaddle it’s also on X

I imagine there is a record at Hansard

Thank you. I found it. I've watched the bit with David Davis, but it's nearly 3 hours!

I'm a bit confused about the timeline. As far as I can tell, this took place after Mandelson's resignation/sacking. It doesn't actually refer to the enhanced vetting, which is what Starmer claims he didn't know about. There are, of course, plenty of reasons which were already in the public domain which would have rung alarm bells.

Rachel Gilmour repeated what was published in the Independent, which was hearsay. MI6 wasn't responsible for the vetting, so any "source" who claimed they failed Mandelson isn't telling the truth. MI6 would have been consulted along with other agencies, but would not have been responsible for any final decisions.

The trouble is with all this is that there's an awful lot of sloppy reporting. People aren't checking their facts and people are basing opinions on inaccuracy.