Security Vetting

Lord Vaux of Harrowden Excerpts

Monday 20th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

I agree that our diplomats around the world do an amazing job in difficult circumstances. Anyone who has had to contact our embassies at a time of trouble or difficulty abroad will know how professional and excellent they are. The noble Lord is right that this all comes down to judgment. The Prime Minister has apologised for his judgment in making the appointment, but others must stand by the judgments they made, be questioned on them and account for them. That is what is happening as we get more information. Those of us sitting on this side of the House trust the Prime Minister’s judgment. It takes a big character to stand up and say sorry when they have made a mistake. That does not always happen. It has not always happened in the past. On the big judgments, we look at the international situation, where the Prime Minister refused just to follow in the wake of President Trump and acted in the national interest. That shows true judgment. That is why we on this side of the House trust the Prime Minister’s judgment.

[Lord Vaux of Harrowden (CB)]

My Lords, we have had a lot of discussions in this House over the last year about employment rights and particularly about unfair dismissal. To be fair, a dismissal must have a valid reason—we cannot make a rigid judgment on the dismissal of Olly Robbins at this stage—but it must also follow fair procedure. That typically means investigating the issue, informing the employee in writing, holding a disciplinary hearing and offering an appeal. According to the press, Olly Robbins was dismissed in a phone call on Thursday night. Can the Minister confirm that due, fair procedure was followed? If not, can she explain why the Government are so strong on insisting that all other employers should follow it, but it does not apply to them?

[Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)]

My Lords, there have been times when the Prime Minister has said that he has had to act quickly, as when he sacked Peter Mandelson. I do not think any Member of this House raised due process when he was called and told that he would lose his position. I will look further into this, but I expect the Prime Minister would have been given advice on how to proceed. It is a serious matter when a Prime Minister and a Foreign Secretary say they do not have confidence in an official, but I expect due procedure to be followed as this goes forward.