UK must respect Trump’s mandate, new US ambassador tells BBC
The new British ambassador to the United States told the British ambassador on his first day as the United States that Britain must respect President Donald Trump’s “strong and clear mission of change.”
Lord Peter Mandelson said Britain would not necessarily agree with every detail of Trump’s agenda, but added: “We must respect and understand what drives him, what his mission is to do and how his allies sometimes need to adjust. .”
The 71-year-old, one of the most famous figures in British politics, provided the U.S. State Department with diplomatic certificates and became ambassador to Washington shortly after speaking with the BBC on Monday.
In the interview, he said his past criticism of Trump was “judgmented and wrong” and was forced by differences in the policies of Britain and the United States in Middle East.
When asked how he would approach the U.S. ambassador’s position, Lord Mandelson said, “Our administration has established a very enthusiastic personal relationship with (Trump) and our prime minister.”
“Each of us wants to grow our economy,” he said. “I think what we need to do is build a 21st century technology and investment relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. That’s where I’m going to focus.”
Last week, Trump told the BBC that tariffs on EU goods could happen “soon” – but suggested a deal could be reached with the UK.
U.S. allies are also nervously awaiting possible tariffs on steel and aluminum, which could upend markets around the world.
Lord Mandelson, who has served in several Labor governments and is the first political appointment in the United States to serve as U.S. ambassador in 50 years, said he was “concerned” about the possibility of tariffs in Britain.
But he added: “We actually have a very balanced trade relationship between the UK and the US. I don’t think his tariffs are actually directed to us.”
“This shouldn’t make us complacent, and I’m not complacent. I’m going to focus on the conversation between us in a laser way to make sure we don’t become collateral damage to the United States,” he continued.
“But at the same time, I don’t think we should overreact.”
The political veteran, who helped plan the renewal of labor in the 1980s and 1990s, was forced to resign twice from the Tony Blair administration, and he made a political comeback when he arrived in Washington.
It is understood that he is already planning how best to deploy Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and officials are considering inviting the president to make a second state visit.
Lord Mandelson told the BBC that Starmer and Trump had a “warm personal relationship” that should make trade negotiations easier.
“I believe that given our relationship, we can always raise our perspective directly, directly and privately, and we have strong relationships that allow us to influence the President and his policies when necessary.”
However, in the future of the Gaza Strip, there is a clear difference in opinion between Trump and Steamer. President Trump says he takes over and rebuilds Gaza according to his plan Will not have permission to return For the Palestinians who left.
Meanwhile, Starmer said “must be allowed to go home.”
Lord Mandelson told the BBC that “the president has announced some interesting ideas” about Gaza’s future, adding that the United States and the United Kingdom need to work together to achieve peace and security in the Middle East.
“I don’t think we’re reaching the end of what’s going on in Gaza and policy, not only the United States, but its allies working with President Trump and his administration to pursue,” he said.
“The UK’s goal is very clear,” he added. “We want to build a safe and reliable Israel with a safe and prosperous Palestinian state. Now, it remains to be seen how we get there.”
