Lord Mandelson has been picked as the UK’s new ambassador to the United States.
The former business secretary is set to take over from Dame Karen Pierce.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer believes that Mandelson has the trade expertise and networking abilities to bolster the UK’s interests during a delicate period for relations with the US, GB News has learned.
His appointment comes ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in January.
A government source told the BBC: “The fact the Prime Minister has chosen to make a political appointment and sent Lord Mandelson to Washington shows just how importantly we see our relationship with the Trump administration.
“We’re sending someone close to the prime minister with unrivalled political and policy experience, particularly on the crucial issue of trade. He’s the ideal candidate to represent the UK’s economic and security interests in the USA.”
Mandelson has previously told The Times that Labour must find a path between the US and the EU if Donald Trump goes ahead with his pledge to introduce blanket tariffs on goods.
Some of Trump’s allies have warned that the UK will have to choose between a deal with the US and the “socialist” European Union.
Lord Mandelson has been picked as the UK’s new ambassador to the United States
PA
However, Starmer has rejected the suggestion that it is a “binary” choice.
With that in mind, do you agree with Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s next US ambassador? Have your say by voting in the poll above.