The chief property and security officer Ian Collard, a central figure in the ongoing scandal over Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington, has decided that the pull of a parliamentary committee is not quite strong enough to lure him into giving live testimony. Emily Thornberry had requested that Collard speak to the foreign affairs committee (FAC) on Tuesday, but confirmed on Saturday that he would instead submit written answers - a move that suggests he values the safety of a keyboard over the glare of the committee room.

Collard's written submission is expected to address several uncomfortable questions, including whether he felt under pressure to deliver Mandelson's clearance after Sir Simon Robbins noted an 'atmosphere of pressure' and 'constant chasing' from Downing Street. It will also cover whether Collard saw the cover form for Mandelson's vetting by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), which had ticked two red boxes - indicating 'high concern' and recommending 'clearance denied or withdrawn'.

Additionally, Collard will be asked if anyone in the Foreign Office, Downing Street, or the Cabinet Office sought his advice on whether Mandelson needed vetting for the post given his membership in the House of Lords. And, perhaps most pointedly, if he advised on how Mandelson should be treated during the period between his appointment being announced and his clearance coming through. The committee will likely read his answers with the same skepticism they reserve for a politician's promise to 'look into it.'