It’s goodnight and good tidings from the Politics Hub
The Politics Hub is signing off for the Christmas break – and what a final day before the festivities begin it has been.
Not only did we get to unwrap the prime minister’s first grilling at the Liaison Committee, but we also got the appointment of a new US ambassador – the returning Lord Peter Mandelson.
The more things change, the more they stay the same…
Have a fantastic Christmas, and the Politics Hub will return in 2025.
Return of the ‘Prince of Darkness’ will leave many Labour lefties furious
Lord Mandelson, 71, known as the “Prince of Darkness” from his days as a New Labour’s spin doctor, will be the prime minister’s link to Donald Trump.
The former cabinet minister and Brussels commissioner is a consummate political networker and his appointment will be seen by supporters as a masterstroke.
But he has also been one of the most divisive figures in British politics over many years and his appointment will be seen by Labour left-wingers as an act of cronyism by the PM.
Lord Mandelson had to resign from Tony Blair’s cabinet twice, first over an undeclared bank loan and then over intervening in a passport application by a top Indian businessman.
Clearly the current Labour leadership loves him sufficiently to hand his this plum job, though many on the left of the party will be furious about his appointment.
Starmer will hope Mandelson can help with ‘danger’ of potential Trump tariffs
News of Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s new US ambassador comes just hours after the prime minister was asked about Donald Trump’s trade policy.
Facing the Liaison Committee of MPs earlier, Sir Keir Starmer said he is “of course alive” to the “danger of tariffs” and is “not a fan” of them.
Asked if he thinks seeking a closer relationship with the EU could affect his ability to strike a deal with the US, Sir Keir says: “I don’t accept you have to either be with the US or the EU.”
He adds: “We do want a closer relationship with the EU on security and trade, at the same time I want to improve our relationship with the US.
“That’s among the reasons I am making sure we have a good relationship with the incoming president.”
Mr Trump has described tariff as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”
Asked if he thinks he can make progress on trade with the US, Sir Keir says: “Yes I do.”
Source : https://news.sky.com/story/this-is-starmers-most-controversial-appointment-yet-12593360