Peter Mandelson's Shocking Diplomatic Ties to Hostile States Exposed

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Peter Mandelson, the former EU Trade Commissioner and Labour Party stalwart, has been rocked by a Guardian investigation that reveals his close ties to senior figures in hostile states, including China, Russia, and Israel. The UK's vetting agency, UKSV, flagged these associations as areas of concern when assessing Mandelson's suitability for a sensitive diplomatic role in Washington, DC. Mandelson's vetting file, obtained by the Guardian, highlights his connections to Chinese minister Lan Fo'an, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and Israeli spy chief Tamir Hayman, sparking questions about his ability to represent the UK's interests abroad.

Mandelson's close relationship with Lan Fo'an, China's minister of finance, dates back to his time as an EU trade commissioner, when he frequently visited China to negotiate trade policy and tariffs. Their ties were so strong that UKSV noted they spoke several times a year, although the last known conversation was 12 months before Mandelson's vetting process began. During the vetting process, Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings on China, which included the UK government's audit of its policy on China. This raises questions about how Mandelson's relationship with Lan Fo'an may have compromised his ability to represent the UK's interests.

Mandelson's friendship with Deripaska, one of Russia's wealthiest oligarchs, has been well-documented over the years. The two men met on Deripaska's yacht in 2008, where Mandelson was reportedly 'dripping pure poison' about then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Since then, Mandelson has sought Deripaska's help on several occasions, including in 2010 when he asked the Russian oligarch to assist in securing a visa for convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to travel to Moscow. UKSV noted that Mandelson regarded Deripaska as a friend and had remained in occasional contact with him, despite not speaking for about 10 years.

Mandelson's relationship with Hayman, a former Israeli military intelligence general, is less well-known. UKSV noted that Mandelson spoke with Hayman bimonthly, although it is unclear how they became associated. Hayman has previously claimed that on his watch, the military intelligence directorate influenced the US's decision to assassinate Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani in 2020. Mandelson's connection to Hayman raises questions about the UK's dealings with Israel and whether he was a suitable choice for a sensitive diplomatic role.

The revelation has sparked a furious row, with Labour Party leader Keir Starmer facing criticism for appointing Mandelson despite the concerns. Starmer sacking Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins, who granted Mandelson clearance despite the concerns, has done little to assuage criticism. Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel called the decision 'reckless,' saying a man with such links to hostile states should never have been handed one of the nation's most sensitive diplomatic posts.

A government insider disputed assertions that officials sought to withhold files or redact information to avoid embarrassment. The government has committed to complying with the humble address but has refused to confirm whether they will release the full vetting file.

The controversy has also raised questions about the vetting process and the role of UKSV. The agency's nine-page summary file, which concludes with UKSV's overall concern and a decision or recommendation, was due to be withheld in its entirety. But after the Guardian's reveal, key documents were shared with the intelligence and security committee, which has accused the government of withholding vetting documents.

The government has promised to release more files, including the second tranche of Mandelson files, expected to be released in June. However, sources close to the Cabinet Office believe officials are seeking to withhold critical information to avoid embarrassment.

Key Facts

• UKSV flagged concerns about Mandelson's ties to Lan Fo'an, Deripaska, and Hayman. • Mandelson spoke with Lan Fo'an several times a year, although the last conversation was 12 months before his vetting process began. • Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings on China during the vetting process. • Mandelson sought Deripaska's help in securing a visa for Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. • UKSV noted that Mandelson regarded Deripaska as a friend and had remained in occasional contact with him despite not speaking for about 10 years.