British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States.

Mandelson, 71, will take up the post "early next year", Downing Street said, just as US president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term.

"The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Starmer said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-on-brink-of-losing-power-as-key-ally-ndp-vows-to-launch-no-confidence-move-785706">Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote</a>

Mandelson's appointment comes amid reported unease within the UK government about the prospects for London's so-called "special relationship" with Washington during Trump's second presidency.

The US president-elect's threat to impose blanket tariffs on all imports is a particular concern for Starmer's new Labour government, which has vowed to boost Britain's sluggish economic growth rates of recent years.

The UK leader has been criticised heavily this year by Trump confidant Elon Musk.

Mandelson will replace Karen Pierce, the current ambassador in Washington, who has been credited with forging strong links with the many staffers and advisors in Trump's team.

Watch |&nbsp;UK: Lord Peter Mandelson To Be Britain's Next Ambassador To US | World News | WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-lord-peter-mandelson-to-be-britains-next-ambassador-to-us-world-news-wion-785611/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>'Absolute moron'</h2>

But in a sign of the likely fraught nature of transatlantic ties under Trump, the choice drew an immediate rebuke from a senior figure within his presidential election team.

Campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita took to X to note Mandelson's previous description of the Republican leader as "little short of a white nationalist and racist".

"This UK govt is special -- replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron -- he should stay home! SAD!" he posted.&nbsp;

The stinging criticism follows Trump's campaign team accusing Starmer's Labour Party of interference during the recent US election over claims party staffers were helping his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

Meanwhile, Mandelson's critique of Trump is reminiscent of disparaging remarks made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who previously called the incoming US president a "tyrant" and "xenophobic".

Lammy on Friday praised Mandelson's "wealth of experience in trade, economic and foreign policy from his years in government and the private sector".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>

"He will arrive in Washington DC as we deepen our enduring alliance with the incoming United States administration, particularly on growth and security," he added.

Mandelson, an EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 who also co-founded the international public policy advisory firm Global Counsel, called his appointment "a great honour".

"We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities," he added.

"It will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States."

<h2>Predecessor praised</h2>

Mandelson is the first political appointment for the US envoy role in decades. Britain typically picks seasoned diplomats to be ambassadors.

In his statement, Starmer thanked Pierce "for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July".&nbsp;

"She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US," he noted, adding that she had been "an outstanding representative of our country abroad".&nbsp;

Mandelson's return to a prominent government role represents a remarkable comeback for a politician who was last in the UK government when Gordon Brown was prime minister in the late 2000s.

A key architect in rebranding the Labour Party in the 1990s after it had spent nearly two decades out of power, he went on to become one of the country's most divisive political figures.

A close ally of ex-prime minister Tony Blair, Mandelson headed several UK government departments between 1998 and 2001, but twice resigned after becoming embroiled in scandals. He then made a surprise 18-month return to the government in 2008.

More recently, he has served as a member of Britain's unelected House of Lords, the upper chamber of parliament.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States. Mandelson, 71, will take up the post "early next year", Downing Street said, just as US president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term. "The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Starmer said in a statement. Also read | Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote Mandelson's appointment comes amid reported unease within the UK government about the prospects for London's so-called "special relationship" with Washington during Trump's second presidency. The US president-elect's threat to impose blanket tariffs on all imports is a particular concern for Starmer's new Labour government, which has vowed to boost Britain's sluggish economic growth rates of recent years. The UK leader has been criticised heavily this year by Trump confidant Elon Musk. Mandelson will replace Karen Pierce, the current ambassador in Washington, who has been credited with forging strong links with the many staffers and advisors in Trump's team. Watch | UK: Lord Peter Mandelson To Be Britain's Next Ambassador To US | World News | WION 'Absolute moron' But in a sign of the likely fraught nature of transatlantic ties under Trump, the choice drew an immediate rebuke from a senior figure within his presidential election team. Campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita took to X to note Mandelson's previous description of the Republican leader as "little short of a white nationalist and racist". "This UK govt is special -- replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron -- he should stay home! SAD!" he posted. The stinging criticism follows Trump's campaign team accusing Starmer's Labour Party of interference during the recent US election over claims party staffers were helping his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Mandelson's critique of Trump is reminiscent of disparaging remarks made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who previously called the incoming US president a "tyrant" and "xenophobic". Lammy on Friday praised Mandelson's "wealth of experience in trade, economic and foreign policy from his years in government and the private sector". Also read | Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man "He will arrive in Washington DC as we deepen our enduring alliance with the incoming United States administration, particularly on growth and security," he added. Mandelson, an EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 who also co-founded the international public policy advisory firm Global Counsel, called his appointment "a great honour". "We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities," he added. "It will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States." Predecessor praised Mandelson is the first political appointment for the US envoy role in decades. Britain typically picks seasoned diplomats to be ambassadors. In his statement, Starmer thanked Pierce "for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July". "She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US," he noted, adding that she had been "an outstanding representative of our country abroad". Mandelson's return to a prominent government role represents a remarkable comeback for a politician who was last in the UK government when Gordon Brown was prime minister in the late 2000s. A key architect in rebranding the Labour Party in the 1990s after it had spent nearly two decades out of power, he went on to become one of the country's most divisive political figures. A close ally of ex-prime minister Tony Blair, Mandelson headed several UK government departments between 1998 and 2001, but twice resigned after becoming embroiled in scandals. He then made a surprise 18-month return to the government in 2008. More recently, he has served as a member of Britain's unelected House of Lords, the upper chamber of parliament. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Keir Starmer appoints Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to US ahead of Trump’s return

London, United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States.
Mandelson, 71, will take up the post "early next year", Downing Street said, just as US president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term.
"The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Starmer said in a statement. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-on-brink-of-losing-power-as-key-ally-ndp-vows-to-launch-no-confidence-move-785706">Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote</a>
Mandelson's appointment comes amid reported unease within the UK government about the prospects for London's so-called "special relationship" with Washington during Trump's second presidency.
The US president-elect's threat to impose blanket tariffs on all imports is a particular concern for Starmer's new Labour government, which has vowed to boost Britain's sluggish economic growth rates of recent years.
The UK leader has been criticised heavily this year by Trump confidant Elon Musk.
Mandelson will replace Karen Pierce, the current ambassador in Washington, who has been credited with forging strong links with the many staffers and advisors in Trump's team.
Watch | UK: Lord Peter Mandelson To Be Britain's Next Ambassador To US | World News | WION
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/2012_UK_5pm_wion-1734702622-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2012_UK_5pm_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=76&tags=peter mandelson,lord peter mandelson,peter mandelson ambassador,uk ambassador washington" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<h2>'Absolute moron'</h2>
But in a sign of the likely fraught nature of transatlantic ties under Trump, the choice drew an immediate rebuke from a senior figure within his presidential election team.
Campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita took to X to note Mandelson's previous description of the Republican leader as "little short of a white nationalist and racist".
"This UK govt is special -- replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron -- he should stay home! SAD!" he posted. 
The stinging criticism follows Trump's campaign team accusing Starmer's Labour Party of interference during the recent US election over claims party staffers were helping his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
Meanwhile, Mandelson's critique of Trump is reminiscent of disparaging remarks made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who previously called the incoming US president a "tyrant" and "xenophobic".
Lammy on Friday praised Mandelson's "wealth of experience in trade, economic and foreign policy from his years in government and the private sector".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>
"He will arrive in Washington DC as we deepen our enduring alliance with the incoming United States administration, particularly on growth and security," he added.
Mandelson, an EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 who also co-founded the international public policy advisory firm Global Counsel, called his appointment "a great honour".
"We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities," he added.
"It will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States."
<h2>Predecessor praised</h2>
Mandelson is the first political appointment for the US envoy role in decades. Britain typically picks seasoned diplomats to be ambassadors.
In his statement, Starmer thanked Pierce "for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July". 
"She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US," he noted, adding that she had been "an outstanding representative of our country abroad". 
Mandelson's return to a prominent government role represents a remarkable comeback for a politician who was last in the UK government when Gordon Brown was prime minister in the late 2000s.
A key architect in rebranding the Labour Party in the 1990s after it had spent nearly two decades out of power, he went on to become one of the country's most divisive political figures.
A close ally of ex-prime minister Tony Blair, Mandelson headed several UK government departments between 1998 and 2001, but twice resigned after becoming embroiled in scandals. He then made a surprise 18-month return to the government in 2008.
More recently, he has served as a member of Britain's unelected House of Lords, the upper chamber of parliament.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Starmer said in a statement



London, United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States. Mandelson, 71, will take up the post "early next year", Downing Street said, just as US president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term. "The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Starmer said in a statement. Also read | Canada PM Justin Trudeau on brink of losing power as key ally NDP vows to launch no-confidence vote Mandelson's appointment comes amid reported unease within the UK government about the prospects for London's so-called "special relationship" with Washington during Trump's second presidency. The US president-elect's threat to impose blanket tariffs on all imports is a particular concern for Starmer's new Labour government, which has vowed to boost Britain's sluggish economic growth rates of recent years. The UK leader has been criticised heavily this year by Trump confidant Elon Musk. Mandelson will replace Karen Pierce, the current ambassador in Washington, who has been credited with forging strong links with the many staffers and advisors in Trump's team. Watch | UK: Lord Peter Mandelson To Be Britain's Next Ambassador To US | World News | WION 'Absolute moron' But in a sign of the likely fraught nature of transatlantic ties under Trump, the choice drew an immediate rebuke from a senior figure within his presidential election team. Campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita took to X to note Mandelson's previous description of the Republican leader as "little short of a white nationalist and racist". "This UK govt is special -- replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron -- he should stay home! SAD!" he posted. The stinging criticism follows Trump's campaign team accusing Starmer's Labour Party of interference during the recent US election over claims party staffers were helping his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Mandelson's critique of Trump is reminiscent of disparaging remarks made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who previously called the incoming US president a "tyrant" and "xenophobic". Lammy on Friday praised Mandelson's "wealth of experience in trade, economic and foreign policy from his years in government and the private sector". Also read | Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man "He will arrive in Washington DC as we deepen our enduring alliance with the incoming United States administration, particularly on growth and security," he added. Mandelson, an EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 who also co-founded the international public policy advisory firm Global Counsel, called his appointment "a great honour". "We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities," he added. "It will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States." Predecessor praised Mandelson is the first political appointment for the US envoy role in decades. Britain typically picks seasoned diplomats to be ambassadors. In his statement, Starmer thanked Pierce "for her invaluable service for the last four years, and in particular the wisdom and steadfast support she has given me personally since July". "She made history as the first woman to serve as UK ambassador to the US," he noted, adding that she had been "an outstanding representative of our country abroad". Mandelson's return to a prominent government role represents a remarkable comeback for a politician who was last in the UK government when Gordon Brown was prime minister in the late 2000s. A key architect in rebranding the Labour Party in the 1990s after it had spent nearly two decades out of power, he went on to become one of the country's most divisive political figures. A close ally of ex-prime minister Tony Blair, Mandelson headed several UK government departments between 1998 and 2001, but twice resigned after becoming embroiled in scandals. He then made a surprise 18-month return to the government in 2008. More recently, he has served as a member of Britain's unelected House of Lords, the upper chamber of parliament. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russia told Britain at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that "you're playing with fire and you'll be sorry" over its accusations that Moscow was to blame for poisoning a former Russian spy and his daughter.

It was the second showdown between Russia and Britain at the world body since the March 4 nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English town. Russia, which requested Thursday's council meeting, denies any involvement.

The attack has had major diplomatic ramifications, with mass expulsions of Russian and Western diplomats. The 15-member Security Council first met over the issue on March 14 at Britain's request.

"We have told our British colleagues that 'you're playing with fire and you'll be sorry'," Russian UN&nbsp;Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said during a more than 30-minute speech that attempted to poke holes in Britain's allegations against Moscow.

He suggested that anyone who watched television crime shows like Britain's 'Midsomer Murders' would know "hundreds of clever ways to kill someone" to illustrate the "risky and dangerous" nature of the method Britain says was used to target Skripal.

British police believe a nerve agent was left on the front door of the Salisbury home where Skripal lived after he was freed in a spy swap. He was a military intelligence colonel who betrayed dozens of Russian agents to Britain's MI6 spy service.

"We believe that the UK's actions stand up to any scrutiny," British UN&nbsp;Ambassador Karen Pierce told the Security Council. "We have nothing to hide ... but I do fear that Russia might have something to fear."

At the global chemical weapons watchdog Wednesday, Russia called for a joint inquiry into the poisoning of the Skripals, but lost a vote on the measure.

"Allowing Russian scientists into an investigation where they are the most likely perpetrators of the crime in Salisbury would be like Scotland Yard inviting in Professor Moriarty," Pierce told reporters earlier on Thursday, citing a character from "Sherlock Holmes."

At the end of the council meeting, Nebenzia read a passage from the novel "Alice in Wonderland" about a trial where the Queen demands the sentence first and the verdict afterward. "Does that remind you of anything?" he added.

Pierce responded: "There is another very good quote from Alice in Wonderland which is: 'sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast' so I think that's the quote the suits my Russian colleague best."

Russia told Britain at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that "you're playing with fire and you'll be sorry" over its accusations that Moscow was to blame for poisoning a former Russian spy and his daughter

Russia told Britain at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that "you're playing with fire and you'll be sorry" over its accusations that Moscow was to blame for poisoning a former Russian spy and his daughter. It was the second showdown between Russia and Britain at the world body since the March 4 nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English town. Russia, which requested Thursday's council meeting, denies any involvement. The attack has had major diplomatic ramifications, with mass expulsions of Russian and Western diplomats. The 15-member Security Council first met over the issue on March 14 at Britain's request. "We have told our British colleagues that 'you're playing with fire and you'll be sorry'," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said during a more than 30-minute speech that attempted to poke holes in Britain's allegations against Moscow. He suggested that anyone who watched television crime shows like Britain's 'Midsomer Murders' would know "hundreds of clever ways to kill someone" to illustrate the "risky and dangerous" nature of the method Britain says was used to target Skripal. British police believe a nerve agent was left on the front door of the Salisbury home where Skripal lived after he was freed in a spy swap. He was a military intelligence colonel who betrayed dozens of Russian agents to Britain's MI6 spy service. "We believe that the UK's actions stand up to any scrutiny," British UN Ambassador Karen Pierce told the Security Council. "We have nothing to hide ... but I do fear that Russia might have something to fear." At the global chemical weapons watchdog Wednesday, Russia called for a joint inquiry into the poisoning of the Skripals, but lost a vote on the measure. "Allowing Russian scientists into an investigation where they are the most likely perpetrators of the crime in Salisbury would be like Scotland Yard inviting in Professor Moriarty," Pierce told reporters earlier on Thursday, citing a character from "Sherlock Holmes." At the end of the council meeting, Nebenzia read a passage from the novel "Alice in Wonderland" about a trial where the Queen demands the sentence first and the verdict afterward. "Does that remind you of anything?" he added. Pierce responded: "There is another very good quote from Alice in Wonderland which is: 'sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast' so I think that's the quote the suits my Russian colleague best."

'You're playing with fire,' Russia tells Britain at UN nerve agent attack meeting

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Keir Starmer appoints Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to US ahead of Trump’s return

Keir Starmer appoints Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to US ahead of Trump’s return

'You're playing with fire,' Russia tells Britain at UN nerve agent attack meeting