Starmer strips Foreign Office of power to bypass security vetting

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has informed MPs that the Foreign Office no longer holds the authority to override security vetting decisions. This move effectively ends a practice where officials could bypass standard clearance protocols for specific appointments. By centralizing or insulating the vetting process, the government appears to be prioritizing rigorous security standards over departmental discretion. It marks a shift toward stricter oversight within the UK's diplomatic and administrative ranks.