The UK government has named senior diplomat Christian Turner as its next ambassador to the United States, Downing Street has confirmed.
Turner, a veteran official with nearly three decades of experience in the Foreign Office and across Whitehall, will replace Lord Peter Mandelson. Mandelson was removed from the post by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year following revelations about his past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
As Britain’s top representative in Washington, Turner will be tasked with steering relations with the Trump administration at a delicate moment. Tensions have surfaced between the UK, Europe and Washington over how to approach the war in Ukraine, with some concerns in Europe that President Donald Trump’s push for a rapid end to the conflict could undermine long-term regional stability.
In a statement shared with news agency Reuters, the White House said it looked “forward to working with Ambassador Turner to further enhance the strong relationship between the United States and United Kingdom”.
The Foreign Office confirmed that King Charles had formally appointed Turner to the post and that London is now seeking official diplomatic approval, known as agrément, from the US government.
Turner said he was “honoured” to be chosen, adding: “At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trump’s administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society, to strengthen that bond in the years ahead.”
His arrival in Washington comes amid intense diplomatic demands. Central among them will be navigating the US strategy on Ukraine, set out in a recent national security document signed by Trump that warned Europe faced “civilisational erasure” and questioned the reliability of some European allies.
Turner is also expected to take up long-running negotiations over a proposed tech agreement between London and Washington. Progress on the deal has been slowed by criticism within the US over the UK’s online safety laws, which some American officials and lawmakers argue could suppress free speech and harm US technology companies.
Mandelson, who previously worked closely with Trump on trade matters, was dismissed days before the former US president made a state visit to the UK in September. Mandelson has expressed regret over his past links to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The appointment of a seasoned diplomat was widely expected, with the Foreign Office said to have pushed for an experienced figure to take on what is considered one of Britain’s most prestigious diplomatic roles.
Turner has previously served as the UK’s political director at the Foreign Office, high commissioner to Pakistan, and director for the Middle East and North Africa. He also held a post in Downing Street as private secretary to the prime minister, and earlier in his career worked in television documentaries.
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer praised Turner’s “extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat”, saying it would help strengthen the “very special relationship” between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Turner would bring “exceptional diplomatic experience and deep understanding” to the role.
The ambassadorship to Washington is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential diplomatic postings. Photo by BHC Islamabad, Wikimedia commons.