Ian Collard to provide written evidence in Mandelson vetting row

9 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 25

The Foreign Office declined a request for Collard, who led its security team, to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee, with chair Dame Emily Thornberry confirming he will only submit written answers.
Collard's evidence is central to the investigation into whether Sir Olly Robbins received accurate advice before approving Lord Mandelson's security clearance, a decision that led to Robbins' dismissal last week.
Sir Adrian Fulford is reviewing the vetting process, while Labour MPs question Sir Keir Starmer's judgement. Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's former chief of staff, will testify about possible pressure on civil servants regarding Mandelson's appointment.

Who is lying about the Mandelson security check: the sacked official or the Prime Minister?

How did Lord Mandelson access state secrets before his security clearance was approved?

Was a top civil servant bullied into approving a high-risk security clearance?

Is Britain's entire national security vetting system for top officials fundamentally broken?

Why won't the key official at the center of the vetting scandal testify in public?

Did the Prime Minister ignore security warnings about his ambassador for over a year?