New UK Ambassador to the US previously posted support for Palestine recognition policy
Seasoned career diplomat Christian Turner replaced Lord Peter Mandelson in the role
The UK’s new ambassador to the United States has indicated support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position on Israel and the Middle East— sharing posts welcoming the decision to recognise a Palestinian state.
Seasoned career diplomat Christian Turner replaces Lord Peter Mandelson, in the role, who was dismissed by the Prime Minister following revelations of his continued association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
With nearly 30 years of experience in Whitehall and the Foreign Office, Turner’s social media activity reflects his engagement with major foreign policy announcements from both the current Labour government and its Conservative predecessor.
But some observers suggest a review of Turner’s posts on X, prior to his appointment in the new role as British Ambassador to the US also offers some clues into his views on the Middle East.
Turner previously served as the Foreign Office’s Political Director and as High Commissioner to both Pakistan and Kenya.
In his previous Foreign Office role, Turner served as Director for the Middle East and North Africa, and earlier worked in 10 Downing Street as private secretary to the Prime Minister.
A report by the news site Politico claimed Turner secured the plum job after Starmer was persuaded to appoint from within the FCDO, rather than outside as he had initially preferred to do.
“He turned that role of political director [at the FCDO] into what it should be, which is somebody who’s operational, who’s delivering results, who’s the chief negotiator, who’s cobbling things together,” one source told Politico of Turner’s track record.
“He’s played a hugely significant role behind the scenes in an extremely stressful moment for the British state from Iran to Palestinian recognition,” they added.
Unsurprisingly, he has shared posts from senior government ministers and PMs condemning Hamas after the October 7 2023 terror attacks, the group’s subsequent treatment of hostages, as well as criticism of Iran’s divisive role, both in the region, and elsewhere across the globe, including in the UK.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson told Jewish News: “Our ambassadors are appointed around the world to further build relationships with their host countries.
“As Political Director, Christian Turner’s social media activity has been focused on re-sharing publicly available statements from ministers and Government accounts, reflecting the UK Government’s position.”
But one British foreign policy expert also claimed: “While one should never assume everything from reading someone’s posts on X, it would not be unreasonable to conclude that Christian is supportive of the current government’s critical stance towards the Israeli government, and of its view that recognition of a Palestinian state is a welcome step towards attempting to revive a two-state solution.
“It would be hard not to interpret Christian’s decision to share the Foreign Office’s September 21 post—stating it was ‘the right time’ for recognition, and rejecting claims that the move rewarded Hamas—as support for this policy.”
In addition to sharing the Foreign Office’s statement welcoming recognition of a Palestinian state on September 21 Turner also shared a video in July of former Foreign Secretary David Lammy announcing the controversial recognition plan at the United Nations.
And notably, back in November 2023 under the last Conservative government, Turner shared an interview by the BBC’s James Landale with then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who helped pave the way for official UK recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Several communal organisations were deeply critical of the current government’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state before Hamas had released all the hostages they still held in Hamas.
They claimed recognition provided Hamas with a “reward” and a further incentive not to free those help captive, or the remaining dead bodies of hostages in Gaza.
The new US ambassador has also showed a willingness to frequently share posts and videos from Tom Fletcher, a one-time British diplomat and now the UN Humanitarian Chief.
In October, Turner shared a video by Fletcher, filmed on the road from Gaza City to Khan Younis, highlighting the devastation caused by the conflict.
The previous day, he shared another Fletcher video warning that “the health crisis in Gaza hasn’t gone away just because of the ceasefire,” showing mothers clutching young children in a hospital.
There are numerous examples of Turner sharing Fletcher’s posts about Gaza, and other regions experiencing crisis and conflict.
Turner also welcomed news of a ceasefire in Gaza that month, following US intervention.
However, on October 8th, he shared a statement from Lebanon’s foreign minister stressing that Lebanon had fulfilled its obligations under the cessation of hostilities, while claiming Israel had not.
While Turner has shared posts critical of the humanitarian impact of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, he has also posted content condemning Hamas’s treatment of hostages after the October 7 attacks, as well as Iran’s role in the region.
His X feed also features frequent criticism—by both current and the former UK government—of Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank.
Last week, the Foreign Office confirmed King Charles had formally appointed Turner as ambassador, and the UK was now seeking official approval from the US government.
Starmer said: “I’m delighted that Christian Turner has been appointed to be British Ambassador to the United States of America.
“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.
“I warmly congratulate him as he starts his work to further build our strong economic and security ties and deliver for the British people.”
Some reports claimed he prime minister’s business adviser Varun Chandra was the frontrunner for the post as recently as this week, earning praise from some Trump administration officials.
Turner has said he was “honoured” to be nominated for the position.
“At a pivotal time for the transatlantic relationship, I look forward to working with President Trump’s administration, and leaders in Congress, business, and society to strengthen that bond in the years ahead,” he said.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Christian Turner brings exceptional diplomatic experience and deep understanding to this vital role.
“His leadership in strengthening partnerships across the world will be invaluable as we work together to uphold the UK’s crucial special relationship with the United States. I look forward to working closely with him to advance our shared values and interests.”
Before joining government, Turner worked in television documentaries.
Critically, he also served as UK deputy national security advisor during the first Trump administration.
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