LONDON — Olly Robbins held discussions with advisers to Andy Burnham regarding a security-related role less than three months after Keir Starmer dismissed him from his position. Insiders suggested Robbins could be appointed national security adviser, a role Jonathan Powell has held since November 2024.

Robbins previously served as deputy national security adviser and as the U.K.'s Brexit negotiator. He was on the shortlist for cabinet secretary in 2024 but did not receive the position. Robbins served as permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office beginning in January 2025, succeeding Sir Philip Barton in that role.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on Robbins' public service. Cooper stated, "I said at the time, Olly Robbins has a huge career in public service as a dedicated public servant." She declined to comment on specific appointments, stating, "You wouldn't expect me to comment on individuals or individual appointments."

Robbins previously overturned a recommendation from UK Security Vetting to deny security clearance for Peter Mandelson. Robbins told a committee of MPs that he was subject to constant pressure to appoint Mandelson as soon as possible. Mandelson was dismissed due to links to Jeffrey Epstein.

UK Security Vetting had raised concerns regarding Mandelson's associations with senior figures in China, Russia, and Israel. The Foreign Office refused to provide a summary of Mandelson's security vetting to the official compiling documents for his appointment as ambassador to the U.S. A Commons motion later forced the release of documents linked to the vetting process.