Olly Robbins files legal challenge over dismissal as Foreign Office chief
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office chief dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has submitted a legal challenge to the High Court seeking a judicial review of his removal. The announcement was made by the FDA union, which represents Robbins, three months after he was fired following a Guardian disclosure that he had overturned a security vetting recommendation against Peter Mandelson. Robbins’s submission argues that Starmer lacked statutory authority to dismiss him as head of the diplomatic service, that there was “no fair procedure” and “no process at all,” and that he was given “irrational” reasons for being fired. The FDA stated that Starmer should admit the sacking was a mistake based on a misunderstanding of the security vetting system and called it a “rash response” to the Guardian’s revelations. Robbins said he brings the action reluctantly and would have preferred an apology from the prime minister. The Commons foreign affairs select committee concluded last week that Robbins’s dismissal “seems to have been taken without full due process and the establishment of the facts.”
What’s reported
Olly Robbins has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of his dismissal as Foreign Office chief.
The FDA union representing him announced the legal challenge.
Robbins was dismissed by Starmer three months after the Guardian disclosed he had overturned a UK Security Vetting recommendation to deny clearance for Peter Mandelson.
Robbins’s submission argues Starmer had no statutory authority to dismiss him, that there was “no fair procedure” and “no process at all,” and that reasons given were “irrational.”
The FDA said Starmer should admit the sacking was a mistake based on a misunderstanding of the security vetting system and called it a “rash response.”
Robbins stated he brings the action reluctantly and would have preferred an apology.
The Commons foreign affairs select committee said Robbins’s dismissal “seems to have been taken without full due process and the establishment of the facts.”
The Foreign Office refused to hand over a summary of Mandelson’s security vetting to the official tasked with compiling documents about his appointment as US ambassador.
Open questions
What specific legal outcome Robbins seeks from the judicial review beyond quashing the dismissal.
Whether the prime minister or foreign secretary will respond to the legal challenge.
Key figures
Olly Robbins: former Foreign Office chief, applicant for judicial review
Keir Starmer: prime minister who dismissed Robbins
Yvette Cooper: foreign secretary
Peter Mandelson: former official sacked over links to Jeffrey Epstein
FDA union: representing Robbins
Sources: The Guardian
