Former official who lost secret files set for key Nato role
- Angus Lapsley lost classified documents detailing the locations of British special forces in Kabul in June 2021.
- He faced temporary revocation of his security clearance as a result of this incident, despite being expected to receive a promotion.
- Lapsley is now being considered for the position of the UK’s ambassador to Nato, indicating continued faith in his professional abilities.
In June 2021, a diplomat from the United Kingdom named Angus Lapsley caused significant controversy after losing classified documents that detailed the locations of British special forces in Kabul. The papers reportedly fell out of his bag and were subsequently discovered at a bus stop in Kent, triggering a transatlantic row due to the sensitive nature of the information. As a consequence of this security lapse, Lapsley temporarily lost his security clearance which postponed his expected promotion to a key role. However, Lapsley's career did not end there, as he was later appointed as the assistant secretary-general for defence policy and planning at Nato. Recently, he has taken on additional responsibilities in supporting various initiatives within the organization. Lapsley's potential appointment as the UK’s permanent representative to Nato reflects the ongoing trust in his capabilities despite earlier setbacks, showcasing resilience in his career trajectory. This upcoming role underlines the importance of diplomatic positions within international military alliances, particularly amidst evolving global security concerns, and highlights the complexities surrounding personnel decisions in such sensitive roles.