PM refuses to say what Jonathan Powell's security clearance was when he was appointed as the Special Envoy to the BIOT:

Ben Obese-Jecty to Labour benches: "Their boos mean nothing to me, Mr Speaker – I've seen what makes them cheer"

Jonathan Powell to lose his phone this week 🤷 The hole gets deeper... 😡

Judging by the look on Lammy's face I'd put a bet on Powell not having the necessary security clearance..

Powell spends all his time creeping up to china ffs.... hes angry, lammy is terrified. This is the next scandal.....

@ConsPost Based on that response Powell should be the next target for forensic review.

@grash29 And we’re all NOT shocked — he can’t answer Qs directly on anything & he should not longer be PM! Worst Government & PM ever!!

Was the PM asked why Powell was allowed to access classified information prior to his appointment? Or whether Powell's business relationships with Chinese state entities weren't considered impediments to his appointment?

Dots are being connected... let's see if they lead in a straight line.

It’s was a brilliant question and deservedly skewered Starmer. He needs removing. He’s a risk to national security.

@Loreign83 Does Hermer need security vetting to be Attorney General?

No surprise there. Why didn’t the @CommonsSpeaker tell him to ANSWER THE QUESTION?!!!!!

Keep digging for details 👍

@LucyGoBag The fact that he didn’t answer and got angry suggests that due process may not have been followed

Since the moment Starmer came into power its been quite obvious he is as duplicitous and nefarious as they come, working on behalf of an external entity. Hopefully one day he can be charged and tried.

It crossed my mind today that it may not have been McSweeney that was ''ffing at Sir Philip Barton over Mandelson's vetting. It could just as easily have been Powell. I hope they as McSweeney a more general question over this.

Great question

I suspect Powell collapsed the “Chinese Trial” under the instruction of Starmer. He did not want to upset the Chinese because he was stupid enough to think a Trade Deal was possible with China.

Any public backing from Starmer right now is probably a political death sentence.

@ljonesljones14 So there was no security checks on Powell

When his wife asks him if he has put the bins out. "What the British people—and indeed, this household—need right now is not a sticking-plaster solution where we just 'put the bins out' and hope for the best. We need a long-term, mission-led strategy for refuse disposal"

That response makes it clear that Surrender Monkey had no security clearance and had received no security vetting.

If he was so concerned about Mandelson’s vetting status, why does he not have a clue about Powell’s?. The incurious Prime Minister, the specialist in plausible deniability strikes again.

@IsraeliNat

@CommonSpeaker__ another question you’ve allowed @Keir_Starmer to dodge. 🥀🥀🤬🤬 What is the point in you?

@Mark_Wilkes27 He just got petulant, shouty and defensive....telling the House how wonderful, upright and competent Powell....

Refusing to answer questions like that is not a smart move. It will only make people more determined to find answers.

Has anyone Labour have appointed been vetted properly ??

@LoftusSteve JP has come across as one of the most untrustworthy individuals within this administration how he’s managed to avoid proper scrutiny is beyond me.

When the law or evidence is on your side play the law or evidence. When neither is...pound the table! That was the lawyer Starmer pounding the table. He's obviously bang to rights. The Opposition might be well advised to run with that little nugget. 🤔🤣

Well colour me shocked I tell you. The PM refusing to answer a question! And did the speaker make him answer? Of course not!

I’m sure Starmer would have said the same about Mandelson prior to this scandal. We shall see.

It is a CCP scandal!!!!!

He didn't answer the question at all.

Seems @BenoBenoTsuki has touched a nerve and found another security vetting unexploded bomb ... Top job Ben