The UK’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, has urged Washington to avoid trade disputes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer begins his diplomatic efforts to strengthen UK-US relations. Speaking at a high-profile reception in Washington, Lord Mandelson emphasised the depth of ties between the two nations, while hailing US President Donald Trump as a “very consequential president.”
The event, held at the British ambassador’s residence, was attended by senior officials from the Trump administration, business leaders, and members of the UK government, including Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The discussions came at a pivotal moment, with US tariffs on British steel set to take effect in March and fears of further import taxes looming.
‘A very significant moment’ for UK-US relations
Addressing the reception, Lord Mandelson highlighted the historic and strategic relationship between the UK and the US, calling it a “very significant moment” for both countries and for “all freedom-loving democracies in the world.” He stressed the extensive collaboration between Britain and America across various sectors.
“The US and the United Kingdom, we basically share everything together. We share people, we share cultures, we share a lot of intelligence, we share technologies, and… we also share some of the fighting of our adversaries as well.”
However, he urged that trade should not become a battleground between the two allies, adding:
“And of course one thing we don’t need to fight over is trade, because we have this fantastically fair and balanced trade relationship when we reciprocate so much – that’s just a little thing for you to remember in the coming weeks.”
His remarks were a clear appeal to the Trump administration to reconsider the planned tariffs on British steel, which are part of the president’s broader agenda to protect American industries. The UK government is concerned that additional import taxes on other British goods could follow, further straining economic ties.
A complicated history with Trump
Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador was met with controversy, given his previous remarks about Donald Trump. The former Cabinet minister had, in the past, referred to Mr Trump as a “danger to the world” and accused him of being “little short of a white nationalist and racist.”
However, since taking on his diplomatic role, Lord Mandelson has sought to smooth relations. In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted that some of his past comments were “childish and wrong.” His speech in Washington reflected a more conciliatory tone, as he acknowledged President Trump’s impact on the United States.
“You have a leader in this country in the president who, in my view, is going to be a very consequential president for this country indeed.”
The shift in rhetoric underscores the UK’s efforts to navigate diplomatic sensitivities while safeguarding British economic interests in an era of increased protectionism from Washington.
Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy ‘gatecrash’ the reception
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy also attended the reception, with Lord Mandelson jokingly referring to them as “gatecrashers.”
Sir Keir, who has been holding high-level meetings in Washington, remarked on the vibrant atmosphere in the US capital.
“I’ve only just arrived but already I can feel there’s real buzz around Washington right now. You can sense that there’s a new leader.”
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The Prime Minister went on to describe President Trump in terms that reflected both admiration and controversy.
“He’s a true one-off, a pioneer in business, in politics. Many people love him. Others love to hate him.”
Turning to lord Mandelson, he added humorously:
“But to us, he’s just… Peter.”
Sir Keir’s remarks signalled a pragmatic approach to dealing with the Trump administration. While the Labour leader has been critical of Mr Trump’s policies in the past, he appears keen to build a constructive working relationship, particularly on trade and security matters.
A delicate balancing act for the UK
With tariffs on British steel looming and the potential for further trade disputes, the UK faces a delicate balancing act in its relationship with the US. The Starmer government is eager to avoid economic fallout while maintaining Britain’s position as a key US ally.
Downing Street has indicated that trade, security, and technology partnerships will be at the heart of UK-US discussions in the coming weeks. Sir Keir’s visit to Washington is expected to set the tone for future engagements, with hopes that diplomacy can prevent economic tensions from escalating.
As Lord Mandelson put it, the UK and US have long been partners in intelligence, technology, and defence. Whether they can maintain that spirit in trade remains to be seen.
