Former Top Official Reaches Settlement Over Sacking

Sir Olly Robbins, formerly the top civil servant at the Foreign Office, has reached an out-of-court settlement with the government following his dismissal earlier this year. The sacking stemmed from the vetting process for Lord Mandelson, who was appointed UK ambassador to the US.

The FDA union, representing Sir Olly, stated that he was made a "scapegoat" for the "misjudgement" of then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed. Sir Olly had initiated a judicial review into his dismissal.

Lord Mandelson was announced as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024 and formally assumed the role in February 2025 after receiving security clearance. However, seven months later, his tenure ended after further information emerged regarding his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Olly was dismissed in April, following a report that Lord Mandelson's security clearance had been granted despite concerns raised by vetting officials. At the time, Sir Keir stated he was "furious" he had not been informed and that he had "not accepted" Sir Olly's explanation for the clearance being granted.

Sir Olly has maintained that government vetting processes must remain confidential. He previously informed MPs that he had not reviewed the documentation from UK Security Vetting, the government's internal vetting unit, regarding Lord Mandelson. Instead, he stated he received an oral briefing indicating that Mandelson was considered a "borderline case" but that the Foreign Office might proceed with clearance under "appropriate risk management."

Dave Penman, head of the FDA union, commented that the settlement might conclude the legal proceedings but that the incident had damaged the trust between civil servants and ministers. He characterized the situation as the "scapegoating of Sir Oliver, to mask the misjudgement of the previous prime minister," calling it a low point in recent civil service-ministerial relations. Penman urged the government to clarify issues regarding ministerial involvement in vetting processes.

Sir Olly expressed gratitude for the support he received during the difficult period and thanked the FDA for their assistance in reaching the settlement. He indicated his desire to move forward with his life. Sir Olly, appointed to his Foreign Office role in early 2025, has held various senior civil service positions, including being the government's lead official in Brexit negotiations with the EU.