A former top Foreign Office official has testified before a parliamentary committee, alleging that Downing Street displayed a "dismissive approach" to security vetting for Lord Peter Mandelson.
Sir Olly Robbins, who was sacked from his role, told MPs there was an "atmosphere of pressure" and a "very strong expectation" from No 10 that Mandelson should be "in post and in America" as quickly as possible, suggesting security protocols may have been rushed or overlooked.
The testimony raises questions about political interference in security procedures and the balance between expediency and proper vetting for high-profile appointments.