Keir Starmer has named Christian Turner as the successor to Peter Mandelson as the new UK ambassador to the United States. Turner, a seasoned diplomat and former Political Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), will take on the role in Washington DC as confirmed by the government.
Earlier in May, Dr. Turner was appointed as the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations. However, No10 recently revealed that he has been reassigned from New York to Washington DC to assume the position of Britain’s next representative in the US, succeeding Mandelson.
This decision follows Lord Mandelson’s dismissal as the UK Ambassador to Washington due to disclosures concerning his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
With a background in diplomacy, Dr. Turner previously served as the British High Commissioner to Pakistan from December 2019 to January 2023. He also held positions as an international affairs advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor during Theresa May’s Premiership.
Expressing his satisfaction with the appointment, Keir Starmer stated, “I’m pleased 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 diplomatic expertise in fostering and strengthening this significant bond.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also praised Dr. Turner’s diplomatic skills, acknowledging his crucial role in enhancing global partnerships and ensuring the enduring special relationship between the UK and the US. Cooper looks forward to collaborating closely with Turner to advance shared values and interests.
In response to his nomination, Dr. Turner expressed his honor at being chosen as the UK’s Ambassador to the USA. He emphasized the historic partnership, common values, shared security, and deep economic ties between the two nations. At a pivotal moment for the transatlantic relationship, Turner looks forward to collaborating with the Trump administration, congressional leaders, businesses, and society to reinforce this bond for the future.