Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed veteran diplomat Christian Turner as the UK's new ambassador to the United States. The role has remained vacant since September when Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson over his undisclosed ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for British-American relations, with the Trump administration recently suspending a £31 billion technology deal.
Turner, currently Britain's ambassador to the United Nations since May, brings nearly 30 years of diplomatic experience to the position. He previously served as political director at the Foreign Office, British High Commissioner to Pakistan from December 2019 to January 2023, and as Deputy National Security Advisor under Theresa May's premiership.
Mandelson's controversial exit
Starmer removed Lord Mandelson from the Washington role in September after US lawmakers published email evidence showing he had defended Epstein's innocence following the financier's first conviction for child abuse. The emails revealed Mandelson had urged Epstein to "fight for early release" from jail in 2008 when Epstein faced an 18-month sentence for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The controversy triggered political turmoil for Starmer. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said at the time that the Prime Minister's backing of Mandelson was "yet another key test of leadership" and said: "This is a weak Prime Minister, who doesn't have the courage to do the right thing at the right time."
Reactions to Turner appointment
Starmer praised Turner's credentials in announcing the appointment. "The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christian's extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish," he said. "I warmly congratulate him as he starts his work to further build our strong economic and security ties and deliver for the British people."
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Turner "brings exceptional diplomatic experience and deep understanding to this vital role."
Turner expressed his commitment to the transatlantic partnership. "I am honoured to be nominated to serve as the UK's Ambassador to the USA," he said. "Our two countries share an historic partnership rooted in common values, shared security and deep economic ties. At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trump's administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead."
Critical timing for UK-US relations
Turner faces immediate challenges including navigating relations with Trump's administration, which earlier this week suspended the technology partnership deal Starmer signed. The deal focused on cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy. Trump reportedly seeks more concessions from the UK government, including increased agricultural exports and a loosening of UK food safety standards.
The Foreign Office had spent months urging Starmer to select an experienced diplomat for the role given current pressures on the relationship. Some government figures worried that a less experienced appointment could jeopardize Starmer's working relationship with Trump.
Downing Street will now request Washington's formal consent for the appointment. Varun Chandra, Starmer's business adviser who Starmer had considered for the role, will instead take on an expanded position within Downing Street.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
