Kathleen Nutt

Sir Olly Robbins has filed for a judicial review challenging his dismissal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, arguing the prime minister lacked authority to remove him and that no fair process was followed. The FDA Union contends the firing resulted from a misunderstanding of national security vetting procedures, noting that ministers are only informed of final vetting outcomes. Robbins maintains he acted appropriately by not informing Starmer about Lord Mandelson’s failed vetting, citing pressure from Downing Street to proceed with the appointment. Starmer defends the dismissal, insisting he would not have appointed Mandelson had he known about the vetting outcome. Mandelson’s ambassadorship later ended over undisclosed ties to Jeffrey Epstein.