Labour Veteran named as British envoy to US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Dec 20 confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and European Union trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the US.

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LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Dec 20 confirmed the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and European Union trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the US.

Mr Mandelson, 71, will take up the post "early next year", Downing Street said, just as US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term.

"The United States is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength," Mr Starmer said in a statement.

Mr Mandelson's appointment comes amid reported unease within the British government about the prospects for London's so-called "special relationship" with Washington during Trump's second presidency.

The US President-elect's threat to impose blanket tariffs on all imports is a particular concern for Mr Starmer's new Labour government, which has vowed to boost Britain's sluggish economic growth rates of recent years.

The British leader has been criticised heavily in 2024 by Trump confidant Elon Musk.