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Dame Emily Thornberry has dropped a bombshell at the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, revealing that Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, rang the Foreign Office and ordered officials to “just f***ing approve” Lord Mandelson’s vetting.
McSweeney Demanded Fast-Track Approval
Lib Dem MP Richard Foord told Sir Olly Robbins it was reported that McSweeney rang Sir Philip Barton, Robbins’s predecessor, and said, in stronger terms than could be used before the watershed, to approve the appointment. Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the committee, clarified the words were “just f***ing approve it”.
Robbins Confirms “Atmosphere of Pressure”
Sir Olly said Philip Barton’s handover notes contributed to his “strong sense that there was an atmosphere of pressure and a certain dismissiveness about this DV process”. He added: “I don’t remember Philip using those words,” but confirmed the pressure from No 10 was constant.
Reform UK: Starmer’s Cover-Up Collapses
Reform UK has led calls for Starmer’s resignation from day one. Nigel Farage said Starmer is either a liar or a puppet. This latest evidence shows No 10 put direct pressure on officials to override security vetting – proving the scandal goes right to the top of the Labour Government.
- McSweeney reportedly told Foreign Office to “just f***ing approve” Mandelson
- Sir Olly Robbins confirms “atmosphere of constant pressure” from No 10
- Starmer’s former chief of staff demanded fast-track vetting
- Reform UK demands Starmer’s immediate resignation
What This Means for Britain
This is devastating for Starmer. While families face £2,000 energy bills and record small boat crossings, the Prime Minister’s own former chief of staff was pressuring officials to rush through a controversial appointment against security advice. The Mandelson scandal has now exposed direct No 10 interference in national security vetting.
Reform UK’s message is clear: Britain needs honest leadership that puts national security and British interests first. With local elections weeks away, voters can reject Labour’s chaos and back the only party that will deliver real accountability and strong borders.
Share if you believe this bombshell proves No 10 pressured officials to override Mandelson’s vetting.
This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Telegraph. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.
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