Britain’s Ticking Time Bomb: The Food Security Crisis
23 July 2026
523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?
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Podcast
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17 April 2026
Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections?
Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.
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Peter Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US was publicly announced on 20 Dec 25.
Olly Robbins did not formally take up his position as permanent under secretary until 8 Jan 25.
Sounds like No. 10 is making him the scapegoat?
Even IF Mr Robbins found out Mandelson had failed vetting at a later date and failed to inform the PM, how can we have a system where security vetting does not conclude until weeks/months after the appointment?