B

Baroness Foster of Oxton (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 10 February 2026

Debate

Ambassadors: Vetting Process

Contribution

My Lords, I realise that this is a very trying experience for the Minister and the Benches opposite, but I do not think there has been an issue over vetting if we look historically at the appointments that have been made from the Foreign Office and for ambassadors of this country. The real issue is about the decision taken by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom appointed a person—Lord Mandelson—as the ambassador to the United States of America knowing, and admitting he knew, that he was still in touch with a convicted paedophile. That is the nub of this Question. Will the Minister acknowledge this and, in turn, when looking at the vetting process, make sure it is probably the right way around?

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