Britain’s newly appointed US ambassador has suggested that he would enlist Nigel Farage’s help in a diplomatic strategy to build bridges with both Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Peter Mandelson’s approach comes as he attempts to relieve Britain of potential crippling tariffs in its “special relationship” with the UK.
Lord Mandelson previously urged Downing Street to “swallow its pride” and put Farage’s established relationships with both influential figures to good use.
The situation has faced further complications due to Musk’s outward criticism of Sir Keir Starmer and Labour’s track record in Government so far.
Farage, who boasts close relationships with both Trump and Musk, flew to the US last week to meet with Musk.
Speaking on his Times podcast last month, Mandelson emphasised the importance of identifying and using all of Musk’s British connections, saying: “You cannot just continue this feud indefinitely. You’ve got to get over it.”
“If I were the Government here, I’d be asking the embassy in Washington DC to find out who his [Musk’s] other British friends are,” he said.
“Swallow your pride, find out who his friends are and try to get into those networks,” Mandelson said.
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He added that his diplomatic approach would incorporate Clacton MP Farage, with Mandelson admitting: “I would include Nigel Farage.
“You can’t ignore him. He’s an elected MP.”
These comments were made in November when Mandelson was widely tipped as the favourite for the US ambassador position.
However, Mandelson’s diplomatic efforts could face significant hurdles due to his past comments about the incoming US President.
These comments were made in November when Mandelson was widely tipped as the favourite for the US ambassador position
PA
In 2019, Mandelson described the President-elect as “little short of a white nationalist”, which has sparked controversy across the UK and the US.
In response, Trump’s 2024 campaign chief Chris LaCivita described Mandelson as an “absolute moron”.
As one of the most well-known figures in UK politics, Peter Mandelson has spent time in different ministerial roles under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He later became a life peer in the House of Lords.
After Starmer appointed him to the role, he said that it was a “great honour”.
