Robbins defended his actions before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, explaining the immense political pressure he faced to finalize the ambassadorial appointment.
He described an “atmosphere of constant chasing” and noted that blocking Mandelson would have been “very difficult” after public announcements were made.
Robbins also joked about having “plenty of time on his hands” following his removal from the civil service.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained that Robbins intentionally withheld crucial information about the failed security clearance.
He called the omission “frankly staggering” and confirmed he directly confronted Robbins before terminating his employment.
“I did ask him, and I did not accept his explanation,” Starmer told the House of Commons. “That is why I sacked him.”
Foreign Affairs Select Committee Chair Dame Emily Thornberry challenged Robbins' testimony, calling it “a partial truth.”
She said, “You clearly told us the truth, but you only told us part of the truth.”
Thornberry used an analogy: “It's a little bit like saying, 'I had to run to work today,' but not saying you were chased by a bear.”
She questioned whether political objectives had overridden national security protocols, suggesting “getting Peter Mandelson the job was a priority that overrode everything else and that security considerations were very much second order.”
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to comment directly on the potential appointment while traveling in Poland.
She acknowledged Robbins' extensive background, saying, “I said at the time, Olly Robbins has a huge career in public service as a dedicated public servant.”
However, friends of the former diplomat disputed Starmer's account, stating that Robbins was denied an opportunity to explain and that “no question was asked.”
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The Labour Party leadership contest is scheduled to conclude with the announcement of the new prime minister on July 17, 2026, provided no rival candidates challenge Burnham.
