Peter Mandelson’s former security adviser will appear before MPs on Thursday to explain why he was removed from his role after raising concerns about the ambassador’s protection.
The security adviser warned of risks to Mandelson’s safety
The official, whose name has not been released, told the BBC he flagged multiple security issues during Mandelson’s tenure as UK ambassador to the United States, including inadequate vetting of visitors and lapses in protocol at the embassy.
His removal followed internal disagreement over threat assessment
Security officials typically rate concerns as low, moderate or high and recommend approval, approval with risk management, or denial of clearance, with green, yellow or red boxes indicating each level. The adviser said his recommendations were overruled despite what he described as clear risks.
MPs will question him on the handling of security concerns
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned him to give evidence on whether proper procedures were followed and whether his dismissal was linked to his willingness to challenge senior staff over security judgments.
Why was the security adviser removed?
He said he was ousted after raising concerns about Mandelson’s security arrangements, which he believed were not being taken seriously by embassy leadership.
What will MPs ask him?
They will focus on whether security protocols were breached, whether his warnings were ignored, and whether his removal was retaliatory.
