Keir Starmer has revealed his choice to succeed Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. Christian Turner, a distinguished diplomat and former Political Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), has been appointed as the next British representative in Washington DC.
In May, the government announced Dr. Turner’s appointment as the UK’s Ambassador to the United Nations. However, a recent announcement from No10 disclosed that he has been reassigned from New York to Washington DC to take on the role of Britain’s new liaison with the US administration.
This decision follows the dismissal of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to Washington due to revelations concerning his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Dr. Turner, a seasoned diplomat, previously held the position of British High Commissioner to Pakistan from December 2019 to January 2023 and served as an international affairs advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor during Theresa May’s tenure as Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer expressed his satisfaction with Christian Turner’s appointment, emphasizing the strong bond between the UK and the US. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praised Turner’s diplomatic expertise and highlighted the importance of his role in maintaining the special relationship between the two nations.
Dr. Turner expressed his honor at being chosen as the UK’s Ambassador to the USA, emphasizing the historic partnership, shared values, security interests, and economic connections between the two countries. He looks forward to collaborating with President Trump’s administration, congressional leaders, business figures, and society to reinforce this bond in the future.