Christian Turner appointed new UK ambassador to US

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed on Thursday Christian Turner as the new British ambassador to the US, replacing Peter Mandelson, who was sacked in September amid controversy over his links with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Turner, who was appointed ambassador to the UN in May, was also political director at the Foreign Office from January 2023 to September 2025.

"The United Kingdom and United States have a very special relationship, and Christian’s extensive experience as an outstanding diplomat will support this uniquely close bond and ensure it continues to flourish," Starmer said in a statement.

Turner said both the US and UK share a historic partnership rooted in common values, shared security and deep economic ties.

"At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with (US) President (Donald) Trump’s administration, and leaders in Congress, business and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead," he added.

Turner was also British High Commissioner to Pakistan from December 2019 to January 2023, and served as the prime minister’s international affairs adviser and deputy national security adviser from 2017 to 2019.

Former US ambassador Mandelson, meanwhile, was found to have urged Epstein to "fight for early release" from jail in 2008 as he faced an 18-month sentence for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.