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.

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-she-regrets-resignation-of-ambassador-to-united-states-234694">British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump</a> that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington.

London's Metropolitan Police said its terrorism command, which investigates potential breaches of Britain's Official Secrets Act, had initiated the probe into the leaking of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-darroch-british-ambassador-to-us-who-called-trump-inept-resigns-234649">Kim Darroch</a>'s correspondence.

"I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement announcing the move.

Last weekend's disclosure of Darroch's private messages back to London -- which included describing the Trump administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional" -- triggered waves of angry tweets from the US president.

After Trump said he would no longer work with Darroch, and he was disinvited from several events, the British ambassador resigned on Wednesday.

On Friday, the American president said that Britain needed to stop their "leaking problems".

The British government had opened its own inquiry into the leaks this week and noted it had involved the police to ascertain whether any documents protected by the Official Secrets Act had been shared.&nbsp;

Basu said that the leaks may be a "criminal matter" as he urged the culprit to "turn yourself in at the earliest opportunity, explain yourself and face the consequences".

"Also, to anyone who knows or suspects those responsible, or who has any information, please come forward," he added.

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington.

British police said Friday it had launched a "criminal investigation" into the leak of British diplomatic cables critical of US President Donald Trump that led to the resignation of the UK ambassador to Washington. London's Metropolitan Police said its terrorism command, which investigates potential breaches of Britain's Official Secrets Act, had initiated the probe into the leaking of Kim Darroch's correspondence. "I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement announcing the move. Last weekend's disclosure of Darroch's private messages back to London -- which included describing the Trump administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional" -- triggered waves of angry tweets from the US president. After Trump said he would no longer work with Darroch, and he was disinvited from several events, the British ambassador resigned on Wednesday. On Friday, the American president said that Britain needed to stop their "leaking problems". The British government had opened its own inquiry into the leaks this week and noted it had involved the police to ascertain whether any documents protected by the Official Secrets Act had been shared. Basu said that the leaks may be a "criminal matter" as he urged the culprit to "turn yourself in at the earliest opportunity, explain yourself and face the consequences". "Also, to anyone who knows or suspects those responsible, or who has any information, please come forward," he added.

UK police launch criminal probe into leaked memos on Donald Trump