Thornberry calls for Lord Mandelson to explain ‘unusual’ appointment as US ambassador

Dame Emily Thornberry has asked that Lord Mandelson appear before her select committee to explain his “unusual” appointment as US ambassador.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the chair of the foreign affairs select committee said: “Lord Mandelson’s appointment is unusual because it is not often that circumstances demand that the UK appoints someone who is not a career diplomat to be our ambassador to such a key NATO ally.

“So, to silence critics and to show respect to parliament and its committees, would the Foreign Office agree that we should return to the policy of the previous Labour government and allow Lord Mandelson the time before he leaves for the United States to come before my committee?”

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty responded: “We are absolutely convinced that Lord Mandelson will do an excellent job as our representative in Washington. It was a pleasure to meet with him last week and discuss his plans as he is preparing to go out on his post.

“I’m sure that we can consider any request that the honourable lady makes in due course.”

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