Trump and Starmer avoided touchy topics in warm’ call

Leaders bypass talking about the Ukraine war, the Chagos Islands, Mandelson and tariffs in their phone conversation

- DAVID MADDOX MILLIE COOKE

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump avoided all the awkward issues they need to resolve when the US president made his first call to the prime minister on Sunday, it is understood.

In particular, the thorny issue of whether Mr Trump will accept Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US was not broached as the two men discussed trade, the royal family and the peace deal in the Middle East.

It is understood that Lord Mandelson was in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for meetings yesterday, with President Trump expected to make a decision on whether to accept his credentials as ambassador this week.

But Trump team sources have said he is minded to reject the credentials because of Lord Mandelson’s support for an open relationship with China, his previous role as an EU commissioner and his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein.