LORD Peter Mandelson is reportedly set to be the UK’s new ambassador to America as a crunch moment for the ‘special relationship’ approaches.
The former First Secretary of State will take the role in Washington DC as Donald Trump prepares for the Oval Office following his stunning win.
Dan CharityLord Peter Mandelson will be the UK’s next ambassador to the US[/caption]
EPAThe Labour grandee was seen as the frontrunner for the role[/caption]
APMandelson will have to deal with Donald Trump’s threats to slap tariffs on UK exports to the US[/caption]
Lord Mandelson, 71, will be the first political appointment in the role for almost half a century.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer believes Mandelson has the trade expertise and networking abilities to fight for the UK’s interests, the Times reports.
Trump is preparing to slap blanket tariffs of up to 20 per cent on all imports in what could be a major disruption to global trade.
Experts have said that could push up inflation in the UK and cut exports to the US.
Mandelson told the Times’ that Britain must find a path between the EU and US if Trump goes ahead with tariffs.
He said: “We have got to navigate our way through this and have, I’m afraid, the best of both worlds.
“We have got to find a way to have our cake and eat it.”
Lord Mandelson had been seen as the frontrunner for the role, but the Labour grandee said the PM should also let Nigel Farage help build bridges with the new administration.
Lord Mandelson said: “You can’t ignore Nigel.
“He’s an elected MP, a public figure and a bridgehead both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others.”
The current ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, will remain in post until the end of January when Trump takes office.
Starmer could have extended Pierce’s term which is expiring in January.
Mandelson was the MP for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004 before he was inducted into the Lords in 2008.
Her served as the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Business, Innovation, and Skills, and as the First Secretary of State.
GettySir Keir Starmer believes Mandelson knows enough about trade for the challenging role[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
