Ambassadors: Vetting Process

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Tuesday 10th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Government policy as regards the narrow issue that the noble Lord raised has not changed. That is not to say it cannot or will not ever change as a consequence of the considerations being made now. It is possible for the Foreign Affairs Committee to summon an ambassador and to want to hear from them. That is available under existing arrangements. I take his comment that he feels that Parliament should have greater input and greater oversight of many of those things. I think that is a welcome suggestion.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, in his resignation letter, Morgan McSweeney said:

“When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice”.


The interesting words there are “When asked”—so Mr McSweeney did not originally suggest the appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador. Perhaps the Minister can tell the House who did.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I honestly do not know who originally had the idea; I bet they wish they had not. I am afraid I cannot enlighten the noble Lord. As far as Morgan McSweeney goes, he has done great service over very many years to the Labour Party, and by extension to this country. He remains someone who many of us hold in high esteem, and we wish him all the very best.