Written question asked by Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Seema Malhotra (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Diplomatic Service: Public Appointments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to change the process for appointing political appointees to diplomatic roles.

Answer: I refer the Hon Member to the numerous occasions when these issues have been addressed in recent months, including the Foreign Secretary's appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 15 December 2025, and her answers at the last session of departmental oral questions on 21 April. The Hon Member will also be aware that Sir Adrian Fulford is conducting a review of the National Security Vetting system to ensure lessons are learned from the policy and process weaknesses highlighted by the Mandelson case.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4792
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons; Topical Questions
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Oral questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Diplomatic service Public appointments
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk