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Diplomatic Service: Public Appointments

Asked by Dr Andrew MurrisonConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 17 October 2025UIN 76245

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contributions during Prime Minister's Questions on 10 September 2025, Official Report, if she will publish (a) the procedure followed for the appointment of Ambassadors and High Commissioners that are not career diplomats, (b) details of the independent element and (c) a list of the due diligence measures that are applied in such cases.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

All appointees for Ambassador and High Commissioner roles are subject to the same standard of background and vetting procedures. Pre-posting processes, including security vetting, are conducted for each appointment. We do not comment on the details of individual clearances or national security as a matter of course.

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