Peter Mandelson, a figure synonymous with the pro-European wing of British politics, has delivered a speech that signals a remarkable political evolution, offering effusive praise for Donald Trump. The UK ambassador portrayed the US president as a necessary disruptor, a “risk-taker” sounding a “wake-up call” to a complacent international elite.
This surprising endorsement came during a speech focused on the future of the US-UK “special relationship.” Mandelson argued for a new cornerstone for this alliance: a comprehensive partnership on technology. He warned that the West is in a direct race with China for dominance in AI and quantum computing, a race that will define the century.
In a move that will stun former political allies, Mandelson also repurposed a pro-Brexit argument, claiming the UK’s departure from the EU makes it a more attractive and less-regulated partner for American investment. This positions Britain as the prime candidate for the deep technological collaboration he envisions with a Trump-led America.
While Mandelson insisted he was not Trump’s “explainer-in-chief,” his speech carefully curated a positive image of the president, focusing on his perceived strengths in challenging the status quo and taking decisive action. This pragmatic shift highlights a clear strategic calculation: that aligning with Trump is the UK’s best bet for securing its future technological and geopolitical standing.
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