Latest news with #LordMandelson
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Labour fears repeat of Iraq war failures if it supports US strikes on Iran
Labour ministers fear that supporting the US in possible attacks on Iran could repeat the failures of the Iraq war. Senior government sources are concerned that backing American air strikes on a nuclear facility could be unlawful after Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, warned Sir Keir Starmer it could be illegal. Party figures also fear that supporting the US by allowing its military to carry out bombing runs from the UK's Diego Garcia air base in the Chagos Islands would be politically unpopular. The Telegraph has been told there is 'twitchiness' in No 10 over the situation because of Labour's legacy of involving the UK in the 2003 invasion of Iraq – at the urging of the US government – without a UN resolution. The UN's charter states that attacking another country is only permissible in international law in self-defence, to defend an ally or if it is authorised by the Security Council. Jonathan Powell, Downing Street's national security adviser, and Lord Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, are among the officials dealing with the current crisis from the UK side. Both were confidantes of Sir Tony Blair at the time of the Iraq invasion, with Mr Powell serving as the No 10 chief of staff. Lord Mandelson, who was an ally on the Labour backbenches at the time, has since written that Sir Tony developed 'tunnel vision' over the war, and ignored his pleas in early 2003 to consider the 'political nuances' and 'practical implications' of an invasion. On Thursday, he joined David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, in Washington for meetings with US officials, including Marco Rubio, the secretary of state. Mr Lammy was planning to use the talks to attempt to persuade American officials that they should not intervene in the conflict between Iran and Israel, it is understood. It came as Donald Trump provisionally approved a plan to drop a 'bunker buster' bomb on Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility. On Thursday, the president said he would make a decision on whether to proceed with any US attack 'in the next two weeks'. US media report that the president is becoming increasingly convinced of the need to strike the Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant, which is buried deep beneath a mountain south-west of Tehran. If he does order an air strike, it is possible the US would use B-2 bombers stationed at Diego Garcia. Downing Street has publicly played down talk of Britain joining US forces, arguing on Thursday that 'de-escalation is the priority' in the region and that 'we would not want to see anything that ramps up the situation'. 'The continuation of the current situation is in no one's interest. We want to see cool heads and a return to diplomacy because that is the best route forward,' Sir Keir's official spokesman said. Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, said MPs would get a vote on any sustained British military action. However, there are fears in Downing Street that publicly supporting Israel's attacks on Iran would alienate voters, as well as Labour MPs who have been campaigning against military action. On Thursday, Emily Thornberry, the Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said that 'any of those justifications' for war in the UN charter did not apply because the UK was 'not under threat ourselves' and there was no Security Council resolution. Earlier this week, Richard Burgon, a Left-wing Labour MP, said that the Government must rule out military action in Iran because 'we saw with Iraq how following Right-wing US presidents into Middle East wars can end'. The Government has taken an increasingly hard line on Israel over the war in Gaza in recent months and last week took the unusual step of sanctioning two of the country's ministers. Polls show that around half of the public do not want Britain to intervene on either side of the conflict between Israel and Iran, while the majority of remaining voters say they either do not know which country to support or that the UK should back Israel. The UK has not been directly involved in protecting Israel from Iran's most recent missile attacks, although last year it did provide air-to-air refuelling support when Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles. A spokesman for Lord Hermer declined to comment on his legal opinion, but The Telegraph understands it was issued shortly after Israel's first attack on Iran last Thursday. He reportedly told Sir Keir that he had concerns about 'playing any role in this except for defending our allies' – one of the three justifications for such military action under the UN charter.
Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Lobbyists from Peter Mandelson's firm attend US embassy reception
Senior executives from a lobbying company co-founded by Lord Mandelson's were invited to Washington to attend an embassy reception with Rachel Reeves. Two executives from Global Counsel, who are based in Britain, were on the guest list for one of Mandelson's first outings as the British ambassador to US. The decision has raised eyebrows because Mandelson co-founded the firm and worked for it until May last year. He is understood to own a significant stake in the business, which had a turnover of £16 million in 2023. He has agreed to put his shareholding into a blind trust until it can be sold. Embassy sources insisted that the decision to invite Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, Global Counsel's chief executive, and Benedict Brogan, a managing director, had not been made by Mandelson. They added that invitations to such receptions were not uncommon and that representatives from Global Counsel, which has an office in Washington, had been invited to embassy events on previous occasions. Global Counsel declined to comment. However, rival lobbying firms said it was 'surprising' that Wegg-Prosser and Brogan had been invited to the event — and had taken time to fly out to Washington for it. 'It is the perception that matters,' one said. 'Everyone knows that Mandelson founded Global Counsel and it was a bit odd to see two of his former executives being wined and dined at his new embassy.' Another added: 'I guess my invitation got lost in the post.' Steve Goodrich, head of research and investigations at Transparency International UK, said: 'When lobbyists secure access to exclusive government events while their firms' co-founder holds one of Britain's most sensitive diplomatic posts, it raises suspicions of preferential treatment that undermines public confidence in the integrity of our institutions. 'We urge the Foreign Office to review how it is managing potential conflicts of interest, including how it ensures the UK's ambassador to the US does not present an inappropriate channel for influence.' Mandelson took up his role as ambassador in February having spent the previous decade building up Global Counsel into a major international player. The firm's clients have included companies such as Anglo American, JPMorgan, Shell and OpenAI. It also represented several companies linked to China, including TikTok, which is facing a ban in the US unless ByteDance divests itself of its ownership of the company in America. In the first three months of the Labour government, Global Counsel recorded having lobbied ministers or senior officials on behalf of 22 clients. Mandelson co-founded Global Counsel in 2010 and later served as president of the Great Britain-China Centre, an arm of the foreign office. The firm was valued at £30 million last year when the Messina Group, the political consultancy founded by Jim Messina, a former Obama campaign manager, bought a 20 per cent stake. This allowed the company to expand its operations in Washington where it now employs eighteen people. It also has offices in Brussels, Doha and Singapore. A spokesman for the US embassy said: 'Each year, in support of the UK government's growth agenda, the British embassy in Washington hosts a number of engagements in the margins of World Bank and IMF Annuals to bring together the best and brightest of the business and economic community. It is standard practice for international companies to have representatives attend.'
Telegraph
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Lord Mandelson honoured with tiny plaque by Maga elite
With his legs crossed, and grinning ear to ear, Lord Mandelson was honoured by the Maga elite with a plaque at a restaurant favoured by Trump supporters. The British ambassador to the US was in a jovial mood as he arrived at Butterworth's to pull back the tiny curtains on a brass plate above his favourite sofa. The plaque, roughly as long as the Labour peer's index finger, rests above the French-style couch upon which he sprawled during his first visit to the restaurant. 'I do feel that I have finally made it from tribal politician to real diplomat now that I have unveiled the first plaque in my new diplomatic career,' he said, gesturing towards the sign. 'When I came here, I wandered off the streets hungry, not knowing what it was. I thought I might get a nice lobster thermidor if I was lucky. I sprawled out on this sofa and we had a wonderful conversation for a long time.' After a tumultuous three decades pulling the strings in Westminster, Lord Mandelson has spent the past six months trying to schmooze his way into 'Magaland'. It has involved a three-pronged charm offensive – endless meetings on the hill, lunches with big businesses and the odd party to prove to the US president's allies that he is a friend. Many of those allies have been lobbying for the peer's removal since his appointment was announced, due to him once labelling Mr Trump a 'danger to the world'. Donning a red tie emboldened with butterflies, borrowed from an embassy staffer, Lord Mandelson made his way to the sofa through a small group of hacks and supporters who sipped Hambledon English sparkling wine. In front of a backdrop of British and American bunting, he said he felt 'really chuffed by the ambassador's sofa', which is where he first met Raheem Kassam, a British Right-winger and the co-owner of the restaurant. 'In deeply partisan-charged environments, it is incumbent upon those who believe in putting Britain's best foot forward to lock arms,' said Mr Kassam, the National Pulse editor and an ally of the president. 'Washington is a cut-throat city, but if you want to represent the country in a serious diplomatic way, you have to reach out to all sides.' Like many who have dined in Butterworth's, the ambassador wasted no time digging into the restaurant's famous French fries, which are fried in beef tallow. The nouveau French restaurant has quickly emerged as the destination du jour for Republican elites in Washington, and for good reason. Only Mr Trump's breakneck takeover of the capital itself has matched the booming popularity of this Maga haven. Then there is the food. Glowing reviews in the Washington Post and the New York Times magazine, both of which should be ideological foes, means the restaurant is already taking Christmas bookings. The chic dining room on Capitol Hill, which opened in October, is the creation of several investors including Alex Butterworth, the senior counsel for Uber. While his name appears above the door, it is Mr Kassam, another investor, who has drawn in clientele including Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, and Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state. 'Although we don't have identical politics, we are familiar with masters of the same drivers that brought our respective figures to power – President Trump in your case and Keir Starmer in mine,' Lord Mandelson said, smiling to Mr Kassam. 'I feel that over centuries now, British diplomats here in United States have been creating coalitions that support the special relationship. I just think what you have created here at Butterworth's is fairly remarkable. 'You've brought the best of British gastro pub food and planted it down here on Capitol Hill. I feel you've brought the special relationship up to a new higher level.' The new climate in Washington is one even the most experienced of diplomats have struggled to navigate. Embassies across the city have resorted to throwing their own parties in the hopes White House officials and staffers alike will venture through their doors. It is an environment even Lord Mandelson, one of the wiliest of political operators, admits has been difficult to crack. 'It's complicated, it's challenging, it's unpredictable, and changes day by day. Indeed, quite often it changes during the time,' he said, appearing to reference the explosive fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Mr Kassam, who was sceptical of Lord Mandelson's appointment, said it was important to show 'Brits back home that we can actually work together in His Majesty's interest'. 'Despite my historic political differences with Lord Mandelson, I'm delighted to help him help Britain, and we will endeavour to vigorously pursue that cause with rugged prejudice,' he added.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
US ambassador Lord Mendelson says UK's 'reset' with the EU is just the beginning as he fails to rule out rejoining the bloc
The UK's 'reset' with the European Union is just the beginning, Lord Mandelson has said, following the Prime Minister's deal with Brussels. The Ambassador to the US failed to rule out rejoining the bloc in the future as he spoke about the agreement yesterday. His comments come after Keir Starmer was accused of a Brexit 'surrender' last week after agreeing to make concessions on EU fishing rights and plans to introduce a youth mobility scheme. In a speech to the Atlantic Council think-tank in Washington, Lord Mandelson said the Prime Minister had embarked on a reset to improve the 'miserable' deal with which the UK left the EU. He said the agreement would 'finish the job' and 'tie up some loose ends which we've done in trade, energy co-operation, police and border security and intelligence sharing and now, of course, in defence.' He added: 'It's the beginning. It's the foundation of a reset. It's not the end of it.' Referring to Britain's place on the world stage, Lord Mandelson said that while the UK would not be rejoining the EU soon, he did not rule out a future return. 'We're not in the European Union any more and we're not going to go back for the foreseeable future, certainly, but we are European,' he said. Lord Mandelson also said that the UK would seek to negotiate a decrease in Donald Trump's tariffs on British exports. Sir Keir managed to lower tariffs in a deal with the US but failed to cut the 10 per cent baseline rate. While Lord Mandelson said he could understand Mr Trump's 'frustration' that led him to introduce tariffs, he said they were not 'welcome'. 'We need to address [reciprocal tariffs] and we're agreed to do so,' he said, adding that the UK and US could use 'non-tariff barriers'. Warning that Europe must no longer rely on the US for security, he said that Mr Trump had done the bloc 'a favour' in saying he would no longer be responsible for protecting allies. He said the world had lived in a 'fantasy' that a 'friendly heavyweight across the water would be there when the going gets tough'. Lord Mandelson's remarks came after Pedro Serrano, the EU Ambassador to the UK, said the UK and EU were 'old friends entering an era of new beginnings'. Writing in the i newspaper, he said that their respective economies were 'joined at the hip' and that more would be done to strengthen ties.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
UK still hoping to slash Trump's 10% tariffs on goods, says Mandelson
Britain is hoping to negotiate down Donald Trump 's 10 per cent 'baseline' tariffs on UK good sold to America, Lord Mandelson said today. The Labour peer, who is the UK's ambassador to the US, outlined how work is ongoing to 'address' the 'reciprocal' tariffs the US President has imposed. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump announced an agreement to provide UK relief to American tariffs on cars and steel. But a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most UK goods, described by Mr Trump as a 'reciprocal' tariff, still remains in place despite the trade deal. Lord Mandelson, speaking at an Atlantic Council event, said the UK and US should continue to look at reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers where possible. Yet he admitted that Mr Trump was 'quite wedded' to his 10 per cent baseline levies. He spoke after the US President backed away from his threat to pose 50 per cent tariffs on imports from the EU next month by pushing a deadline back to 9 July. Lord Mandelson suggested the UK's own trade agreement with the US should serve as a 'template' for others - including the EU - in avoiding a major trade conflict. The former cabinet minister also urged Britain and America to work together in order to beat China in a race to harness the potential of AI. He compared this to the 'Manhattan Project' during the Second World War, when the UK and US collaborated on developing the first nuclear weapons. Speaking about the recently-signed trade agreement between Sir Keir and Mr Trump, Lord Mandelson said: 'We had to deal with the sectoral tariffs as a priority. 'Because they were the ones that presented a particular threat to industry and jobs in Britain. 'We were facing, unless that deal was done, in the following fortnight a massive loss of jobs in our auto sector in the West Midlands and elsewhere in Britain. 'In our steel sector, and potentially - and I'm glad we've got this prospective protection - on aerospace and pharmaceuticals as well. 'I hope this deal between Britain and the US offers a template for other nations, including the EU, to do its own deal with the US. 'Because none of us wants to see big trading partners - even giants - going head-to-head.' Under the agreement announced on 8 May, both Britain and the US agreed to continue trade negotiations in a number of areas. 'We need the reciprocal tariffs, which are slightly different from the sectoral ones, we need to address those as well and we've agreed to do so,' Lord Mandelson added. But, asked to assess the UK's chances of improving the terms of the agreement, he said: 'Let's see, I think the President seems quite wedded to that 10 per cent baseline. 'Within that baseline, I think we can and should look where it is in our mutual advantage to reduce not just the effective tariffs that are operating, but also the non-tariff barriers. 'I think this is a source of great irritation to the President.' Lord Mandelson noted how Mr Trump's baseline tariffs were 'not exactly unique', as he highlighted how Richard Nixon 'had done exactly in the early 1970s'. 'Another 10 per cent baseline tariff put on trade between the US and its partners,' he added. 'So this is not exactly unique, it's not new - I'm not saying it's welcome.' Trade experts have suggested the UK-US deal is a step towards excluding China from global supply chains. And Lord Mandelson said countries in Europe were 'becoming more conscious of the need not to expand or extend our reliance on China'. 'Europe doesn't want to shut out China or decouple from China, but we've got to be much more sceptical,' he added. 'We've got to scrutinise much more carefully key areas where we are overly-dependent on China in our supply chains.' He insisted, under Sir Keir, that Britain would not be returning to the so-called 'golden era' of relations with China under former PM David Cameron. Lord Mandelson urged the UK and US to work together on AI, as he outlined a vision of Britain as 'an AI-driven new model economy for the 21st century'. 'I believe we have to do that with American technology, capital and talent to add to our own. We have all those things in plentiful quantity,' he said. 'If we allow China to win this race - and heavens knows they're catching up with every year that passes - if China wins that AI race they will have the key. 'They will be able to do things that cascade down not just in their own country but everyone elses across the world. 'I don't want to see a world in which China has got the key to AI, where it's able to use that key to open up so many other areas of technological advance. 'Their values, their principles, how they conduct themselves is not right for the sort of world we want to live in and create. 'That's why I think we have to band together, just as we did in the Manhattan Project. 'That was an extraordinary collaboration between two great science-rich nations - our own and the US. 'What goes for the Manhattan Project now needs to go for so many other sectors of technological advance. 'Where we can create huge new sources of improvement in the lives of our people and of humanity.' As well as the trade agreement with the US, Sir Keir has also recently signed a Brexit 'reset' deal with the EU.
