U.S.-U.K. special alliance may be under threat, cautions Peter Mandelson

Lord Peter Mandelson, the UK's Ambassador to Washington, delivered a wide-ranging speech at the Ditchley Foundation, a charity focused on transatlantic relations. In his address, Mandelson emphasised the importance of the UK demonstrating the value of its partnerships to future US political leadership.

Mandelson, a key architect of New Labour and a staunch Remainer during the EU referendum, views Brexit as a liberating force that has allowed Britain to pursue closer ties with America. He believes the US needs Europe strong and close enough to counterbalance Chinese power and the power of its autocratic allies.

The ambassador highlighted the US-UK partnership as indispensable to the functioning of the UK. However, he warned that the country cannot take this "special relationship" for granted. Mandelson urged that it is vital for the UK to demonstrate to the next tier of US political leadership and to the next Republican and Democrat generations, exactly how UK partnerships in economics, technology, and security deliver tangible value for both Americans and Brits alike.

One area where the UK is seeking a carve-out is in tariffs for British steel, which remain at 25%, despite a trade deal with Trump. Mandelson emphasised that the value of the special relationship should not be taken for granted by future US administrations.

Mandelson praised Donald Trump for the opportunity to deepen American investment opportunities in Britain. He recognised Trump for his positive coercive power, as seen in his decisive action on Iran's nuclear program. However, he also pointed out that the United States would likely not regard the special relationship with Britain in the same way in the future as Britain does, implying a change in the perception or value of that relationship from the American side.

Vice-president JD Vance visited the Cotswolds this summer, and preparations are being made for Trump's state visit to the UK later this month. Meanwhile, Britain's Business Secretary, Peter Kyle, is due to visit China for trade talks following a trip to Washington. Britain wants to deepen ties with China in some non-sensitive areas.

In conclusion, Lord Mandelson's speech underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening the US-UK partnership while also emphasising the need for caution and a clear demonstration of the partnership's value to future US administrations. The UK is actively seeking to address trade barriers and deepen investment opportunities in both the US and China, recognising the strategic importance of these relationships in the global political and economic landscape.