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.
Denne historien er fra December 22, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 22, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Dedication To Sushi Tradition
An iron law of sushi holds that the more impressive the restaurant, the smaller the sign.
Squid Game 2 cast play five stones, sepak takraw
In K-drama Squid Game (2021 to present), players take on children's games for a hefty cash prize in the hit Netflix series. But how would the cast fare playing children's games known to Singaporean and regional audiences?
Sequels take nine of 10 slots in US box office in 2024
In 2023, Hollywood's creative community was celebrating the apparent decline of corporate, paint-by-numbers sequels and remakes.
Zhao Lusi says she was abused and is suffering from depression
The year may have just begun, but the Chinese entertainment scene has already been hit by controversy. Chinese actress Zhao Lusi (right) revealed in a post on Weibo on Jan 1 that she was a victim of physical abuse at the workplace and is now suffering from depression.
Jungkook Is First Asian Artiste To Surpass 2.1 Billion Streams With One Song On Spotify
K-pop boy band juggernaut BTS’ member Jungkook is the first Asian artiste to surpass 2.1 billion streams on Spotify with one song.
Comfort Meets Style
Young employees are increasingly switching out formal suits and ties for more expressive dressing styles
Down-to-earth home with stories to tell
Artist and stylist Geraldine Toh's apartment project combines art, design elements and an earthy sensibility with the colour ochre
Tampines legend Kopitovic makes staggering Bali move
When Boris Kopitovic first arrived in Singapore to join BG Tampines Rovers in 2020, few expected the Montenegrin forward to make a lasting impact.
LEE IMMERSING IN GREECE
World Aquatics scholarship recipient quits job to pursue water polo dreams
Gunners On Fire Despite Virus
They overcome bug outbreak to overturn Brentford's advantage for crucial victory
