UK ambassador’s private remarks about Israel and US relations cause political uproar
Sir Christian Turner has caused a stir after leaked audio revealed his comments on the so-called “special relationship” between the UK and the United States. In a candid conversation with UK students earlier this year, Turner suggested that Israel, rather than the UK, currently enjoys the “special relationship” with the US.
The remarks, which were made during a private event in February, have been met with both surprise and criticism, particularly as they were made public shortly before King Charles III‘s state visit to the US. The royal visit was aimed at strengthening the UK-US relationship, adding to the controversy surrounding Turner’s comments.
Turner’s statement, originally reported by the Financial Times, came in response to questions about the UK-US relationship. He argued that the phrase “special relationship” has become outdated, referring to it as “nostalgic” and “backwards-looking”. According to Turner, Israel’s ties with the US are far closer due to their ongoing cooperation, particularly in military matters. The ambassador said, “There is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States, and that is probably Israel.”
His comments about Israel were particularly pointed. Turner noted that the US’s financial and military support for Israel, including funding for American-made arms, makes the relationship between the two nations unparalleled. He suggested that such a deep connection between the US and Israel was not mirrored in the UK’s current position.
While Turner’s remarks were made in a private, informal setting, the timing of their release has sparked significant debate. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) quickly distanced itself from the comments, stating that they did not reflect the UK government’s stance. The FCDO added that the discussion was not a formal diplomatic position but rather part of a private meeting with students.
The timing of the comments has added further fuel to the fire. With the royal family in the US to bolster the “special relationship” between the two nations, the remarks have been seen by some as undermining that message. Conservative politicians in the UK and US have seized on the comments, arguing that they reflect a shift in how the UK views its ties with the US.
However, former foreign secretary Jack Straw supported Turner’s view, saying he was “absolutely right” to assert that Israel has a uniquely special relationship with the US. Straw pointed to the US’s substantial financial support for Israel as evidence of the exceptional nature of their partnership.
On the other hand, Lord Darroch, Turner’s predecessor, called the leak a “betrayal” and a “massive breach of trust.” He expressed regret over the comments being made public, suggesting that it would harm Turner’s diplomatic credibility.
In the conversation, Turner also made controversial remarks about the sex offender financier Jeffrey Epstein. Turner noted that the Epstein scandal had not impacted US politics in the same way it had in the UK, where it had led to the downfall of figures such as Prince Andrew and his predecessor as US ambassador, Lord Peter Mandelson. His comments on Epstein have reignited discussions around the scandal and its ongoing political fallout, particularly in the context of the royal family’s ties to the financier.
The backlash surrounding Turner’s comments highlights the delicate nature of diplomacy and the potential pitfalls of candid, informal conversations. As the UK and US continue to navigate their relationship in a shifting global landscape, Turner’s remarks could have far-reaching consequences for his role as ambassador.
While the UK government has sought to downplay the incident, the diplomatic tension surrounding Turner’s comments is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon. As Sir Christian Turner’s remarks continue to stir debate, the future of the “special relationship” remains a point of contention in both Washington and Westminster.