Key facts
- A parliamentary committee recommends MPs should have veto power over political ambassadorial appointments.
- The committee reviewed the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
A parliamentary committee has recommended that MPs should have veto power over political appointments to top diplomatic posts. The recommendation follows a review of Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as UK ambassador to the US.
The recommendations aim to enhance transparency and accountability in high-level diplomatic appointments, preventing future controversies and ensuring national security is prioritized over political expediency.
A parliamentary committee has recommended that MPs should have veto power over political appointments to top diplomatic posts, following a review of Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as UK ambassador to the US. The Foreign Affairs Committee stated that the due process for Mandelson's appointment was "being made up as it went along" and described it as "disastrous" and "highly damaging."
Mandelson was sacked from the role due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee, chaired by Dame Emily Thornberry, criticized the vetting process and record-keeping by Number 10 and the FCDO. They recommended that public appointments should not be announced until security clearance is granted and that political appointees should face compulsory pre-appointment hearings with the committee, which should have veto power.
A government spokesperson indicated that changes have already been made to the vetting process for political appointees, and an independent review of the National Security Vetting system is underway.
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