Sir Olly Robbins has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of his dismissal as the UK Foreign Office's top civil servant, arguing Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacked the statutory authority to remove him. The FDA union announced the legal challenge on Monday, saying the sacking proceeded without even the semblance of a fair process.
Robbins was dismissed in April 2026 after questions emerged over the security vetting of Lord Mandelson, who was appointed UK ambassador to Washington in December 2024 before being removed in September 2025 over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Robbins contends he was given irrational reasons for his firing and that vetting concerns about Mandelson were not linked to Epstein.
Starmer said he was unaware Mandelson received clearance against official advice. The FDA called the dismissal a grievous misunderstanding of vetting procedures.