The World Tonight, The World Tonight, Lord Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision

The World Tonight

The World Tonight

Lord Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision

16 April 2026

37 minutes

Available for 4 days

The prime minister did not know Lord Mandelson failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador until earlier this week, the government has said. We hear from the BBC's political editor and a Labour backbencher.

As a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel comes into effect, we speak to our correspondent on the border between the two countries.

Also on the programme: A rare interview with a representative of the Russian government. And as the Pope criticises "tyrants" who spend billions on war, we look at the modern history of pacifism.