Starmer Selects New US Ambassador Amid Rising Tensions

Keir Starmer is preparing to appoint a new ambassador to the United States, as relations with the country face significant challenges. Following interviews with three candidates this week, Downing Street aims to finalize the selection before the end of the year. The candidates include Varun Chandra, a business adviser known for negotiating deals with the Trump administration; Christian Turner, a diplomat set to become ambassador to the United Nations; and Nigel Casey, currently the British ambassador to Russia.

The choice of ambassador comes at a critical moment for US-UK relations, particularly in light of rising tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Donald Trump‘s criticisms of European leaders. Chandra, a former managing partner at the corporate intelligence firm Hakluyt, is viewed as a leading candidate due to his extensive experience in negotiating trade, technology, and pharmaceuticals agreements with the United States.

Despite Chandra’s strong candidacy, there is pressure from the Foreign Office to appoint a career diplomat, with some officials suggesting this could mitigate political risks. Turner and Casey, both well-respected within government circles, bring significant diplomatic experience to the table. Casey’s late entry into the selection process indicates a potential dissatisfaction with the initial list of candidates provided by the Foreign Office.

If none of the three finalists meets Starmer’s expectations, the prime minister could opt to appoint someone outside of the shortlist. Earlier this week, Starmer met with Warren Stephens, the US ambassador to the UK, to discuss the implementation of trade and technology agreements announced earlier in the year.

Starmer’s relationship with Trump is robust but increasingly strained due to key policy disagreements, particularly regarding green energy and immigration issues. Tensions between the United States and Europe are further exacerbated by Trump’s vocal impatience regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. The US president has urged Kyiv to consider territorial concessions to expedite a resolution, emphasizing a desire for a peace deal by Christmas.

European leaders, including Starmer, are set to hold crisis talks in Berlin on Monday to address concerns over a US-brokered peace proposal, which many believe may disproportionately favor Russia. In a recent interview, Trump escalated his rhetoric, suggesting that many European nations could cease to exist as viable states unless they adjust their border policies and immigration controls.

While Starmer and his ministers have refrained from overtly criticizing Trump’s national security strategy, which described the European landscape as facing “civilizational erasure,” they have affirmed Europe’s strength and commitment to increasing defense spending.

The previous ambassador’s position became vacant in September 2023 following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson, who was removed for failing to disclose his connections to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. This incident has raised concerns for Starmer, as he was reportedly informed of Mandelson’s ties and the associated reputational risks prior to his appointment.

As the selection process unfolds, the pressure remains on Starmer to choose a candidate who can effectively navigate the complex and evolving landscape of US-UK relations during a time of geopolitical uncertainty.