Keir Starmer made an announcement yesterday regarding the appointment of Christian Turner to take over Peter Mandelson’s position as the UK’s ambassador to the US. Turner, a highly experienced diplomat and former Political Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), was revealed as the government’s choice for the role in Washington DC.
Earlier in May, it was disclosed that Dr. Turner had been designated as the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations. However, No10 confirmed last night that he had been reassigned from New York to Washington DC to assume the role of representing Britain in the United States.
This decision follows the dismissal of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to Washington due to revelations about his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Dr. Turner, a seasoned diplomat, previously served as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan from December 2019 to January 2023 and held positions as an international affairs advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor during Theresa May’s Premiership.
In response to Turner’s appointment, Keir Starmer expressed his delight, stating, “I’m thrilled that Christian Turner has been selected as the British Ambassador to the United States of America.” Highlighting the special relationship between the UK and the US, Starmer emphasized Turner’s exceptional diplomatic background as crucial for nurturing and enhancing this close bond.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also praised Turner’s appointment, recognizing his extensive diplomatic expertise and valuable contributions to strengthening global partnerships. Cooper emphasized the importance of Turner’s leadership in upholding the UK’s special relationship with the United States and looked forward to collaborating closely with him to advance shared values and interests.
Expressing his honor at the nomination, Dr. Turner remarked, “I am privileged to be chosen to serve as the UK’s Ambassador to the USA.” Acknowledging the historical partnership, shared values, security cooperation, and economic ties between the two nations, Turner expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Trump administration, Congress, businesses, and society to further solidify the transatlantic bond in the future.