The United Kingdom (UK) must respect President Donald Trump’s “strong and clear mandate for change,” according to Lord Peter Mandelson, the newly appointed UK ambassador to the US, speaking on his first day in the role.
In an interview with the BBC, Lord Mandelson acknowledged that while the UK may not agree with every detail of Trump’s agenda, it is crucial to understand and respect his mandate and the forces driving him. “We must recognize what his mandate is, and how his allies may sometimes need to adjust,” he said.
Lord Mandelson, 71, was speaking on Monday after presenting his diplomatic credentials to the US State Department, officially marking the start of his tenure as ambassador.
He also reflected on his past criticisms of Trump, calling them “ill-judged and wrong.” He was asked about the differences between the UK and US on Middle East policy, and responded that there is already a “strong relationship between our governments and a very warm personal relationship between President Trump and our prime minister.”
“Both of us want to grow our economies,” Lord Mandelson stated. “My focus will be on building a technology and investment relationship between the US and the UK that is fit for the 21st century.”
Last week, President Trump suggested that tariffs on EU goods could be implemented “pretty soon,” though he indicated that a deal could be reached with the UK. Allies of the US are also nervously awaiting potential tariffs on steel and aluminum, which could have global market implications.
Lord Mandelson, who is the first political appointee to the US ambassador role in 50 years, expressed concern about the possibility of tariffs on the UK, but emphasized the balanced trade relationship between the two nations. “I don’t believe that his tariffs are directly targeted at us,” he said. “That shouldn’t make us complacent, but I’m going to focus on ensuring that we don’t become collateral damage.”
On trade negotiations, Lord Mandelson pointed to the “strong relationship” between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump. He noted, “We can always make our views known, best by doing so directly and privately, using our strong relationship to influence the president and his policies when necessary.”
The UK’s position on the Gaza Strip, however, differs from Trump’s. The president’s plan for Gaza suggests no right of return for Palestinians who leave, while Starmer insists they “must be allowed home.” Lord Mandelson commented that while Trump’s proposals for Gaza are “interesting,” the US and the UK need to work together to achieve peace and security in the region.
“The British goal is clear,” he said. “We want to create a safe and secure Israel alongside a secure and prosperous Palestinian state. How we get there remains to be seen.”
Source: BBC
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
