Government Settles With Top Official Sacked Over Mandelson Vetting

The government has reached an out-of-court settlement with Olly Robbins, the top Whitehall official dismissed by Keir Starmer in April over a dispute concerning Peter Mandelson's security vetting. Robbins, who served as Britain's Brexit negotiator under Prime Minister Theresa May, was the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office at the time of his dismissal.

His exit followed revelations that he had overruled a recommendation against granting Lord Mandelson security clearance for the role of Britain's ambassador to the US. Sir Keir stated that Robbins had failed to inform him of the vetting outcome, asserting that the appointment would not have proceeded had he been aware. Robbins, however, maintained that it was customary not to share the findings of the developed vetting process and indicated he felt pressured to clear Mandelson for the position.

Following his removal from the Foreign Office role, Robbins initiated a judicial review, which has now concluded with a settlement. This development comes shortly after reports that another former senior official, Chris Wormald, received a substantial payout of nearly £860,000 upon his departure as cabinet secretary in February.

The FDA union, which represented Robbins, confirmed the settlement, stating that no financial details have been disclosed. In a statement, Robbins expressed gratitude for the support he received and thanked the FDA for their assistance in reaching the agreement, indicating he is ready to move forward.

Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA, commented that while the settlement resolves the judicial review, the incident has damaged the trust between civil servants and ministers. He described the situation as a "scapegoating of Sir Oliver, to mask the misjudgment of the previous prime minister," and urged the government to clarify the issues surrounding ministerial involvement in vetting processes.

Lord Mandelson was later removed as US ambassador in September of the previous year, following further disclosures about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy surrounding his appointment as the UK's top diplomat in Washington D.C. was a significant factor in Sir Keir's tenure as Prime Minister.

The vetting of Lord Mandelson had come under scrutiny in April of this year, with reports suggesting he had failed a background check. Officials at the Foreign Office reportedly overruled this decision to proceed with his appointment. Sir Keir, who was Prime Minister at the time, dismissed Sir Olly, citing a lack of awareness regarding the clearance granted to Lord Mandelson against the advice of UK Security Vetting.

Robbins had suggested a "dismissive approach" to developed vetting from Downing Street but insisted the process was completed to the standard required, despite perceived pressure. Downing Street refuted this, differentiating between "pressure" and being "kept informed about the process and the progress of the appointment."

A government spokesperson acknowledged Robbins' distinguished career spanning over three decades, including his roles as permanent under-secretary at the FCDO, Europe adviser to the Prime Minister, second permanent secretary at the Home Office, and deputy national security adviser. The spokesperson confirmed the settlement and stated the government would not comment further on HR matters.