Government Settles With Top Official Sacked Over Mandelson Vetting

The UK government has reached an out-of-court settlement with Olly Robbins, the former senior civil servant dismissed by Keir Starmer in April over his handling of Peter Mandelson's security vetting. Robbins, who served as Britain's Brexit negotiator under former Prime Minister Theresa May, was the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office when he was removed from his post.

The dismissal followed revelations that Robbins had overruled a recommendation against granting Lord Mandelson security clearance for his potential role as Britain's ambassador to the US. Starmer stated at the time that he was not informed of the outcome of the vetting process and would not have proceeded with Mandelson's appointment had he known. Robbins, however, maintained that it was standard practice not to share findings from the developed vetting process and suggested he felt pressure to clear Mandelson for the position.

Robbins initiated a judicial review after his removal from the Foreign Office role. The FDA union, which represented Robbins, announced the settlement on Friday. Specific financial details of the settlement have not been disclosed.

In a statement, Robbins expressed gratitude for the support he received and thanked the FDA for their assistance. "I am looking forward to moving on to the next chapter of my life," he said.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, commented that the settlement might end the legal proceedings but that the "unprecedented affair" had 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 issues concerning ministerial involvement in vetting processes.

Lord Mandelson was subsequently dismissed as US ambassador in September of the previous year due to further revelations concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy surrounding his appointment as Britain's top diplomat in Washington D.C. was a significant factor in Starmer's tenure as Prime Minister.

Questions regarding Mandelson's vetting arose earlier in the year when reports emerged that he had failed a background check, yet Foreign Office officials reportedly overruled this decision to proceed with his appointment. Starmer, who was Prime Minister at the time, dismissed Robbins following these disclosures.

Robbins had suggested a "dismissive approach" to developed vetting from Downing Street, while insisting the process was completed to the standard required despite the perceived pressure. Downing Street disputed this, differentiating between "pressure" and being kept informed of the process and appointment's progress.

A government spokesperson acknowledged Robbins' "distinguished public service career" and confirmed the settlement following his dismissal, stating that the government would not comment further on HR matters.