Trending Now - UK Ambassador: America's Sole 'special Relationship' Likely Israel

WHO:

CNN - Christian Turner, Britain's ambassador to the United States, replaced Peter Mandelson.

CNN - Christian Turner, Britain's ambassador to the United States

CNN - King Charles III, Queen Camilla, US President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump

CNN - Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California

WHAT:

CNN - Turner stated, “I think there is probably one country that has a special relationship with the United States – and that is probably Israel.”

CNN - Turner described the Epstein scandal's lack of accountability in the U.S. as “extraordinary.”

CNN - Turner noted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had been “on the ropes” for months due to the fallout from appointing Mandelson.

CNN - Turner stated that the only country with a “special relationship” with the United States is “probably Israel.”

CNN - Turner described the term “special relationship” as “nostalgic” and “backwards-looking.”

CNN - Turner called the lack of accountability from the Epstein scandal in the U.S. “extraordinary.”

CNN - Turner suggested that the Labour Party could “remove” Keir Starmer after local elections in May.

CBS News World - Turner made remarks in February that were reported by the Financial Times.

WHERE:

CNN - Washington, D.C., United States

CNN - The White House

WHEN:

CNN - Turner took office in February 2026.

CNN - Local elections are scheduled for May 2026.

WHY:

CNN - Turner's comments could embarrass Downing Street and complicate King Charles III’s state visit.

CNN - Turner’s comments could embarrass Downing Street and complicate King Charles III’s state visit.

CNN - Turner emphasized the need for Britain and its European neighbors to redefine their relationship with the U.S. on defense.

HOW:

CNN - Turner made his remarks privately to a group of British students visiting the U.S.

CNN - Turner made his remarks privately to a group of British students visiting the U.S.

(UPDATED April 29, 2026 04:13 UTC)

Christian Turner has officially taken over as Britain's ambassador to the United States, replacing Peter Mandelson. In a private meeting with British students, Turner emphasized the unique bond between the U.S. and Israel, while also calling the lack of accountability surrounding the Epstein scandal in the U.S. "extraordinary." His comments may create challenges for Downing Street and complicate King Charles III’s upcoming state visit.

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(UPDATED April 28, 2026 23:18 UTC)

Christian Turner, Britain's ambassador to the United States, recently stated that the only country with a “special relationship” with the U.S. is likely Israel, describing the term as “nostalgic” and “backwards-looking.” He also expressed concern over the lack of accountability from the Epstein scandal in the U.S., calling it “extraordinary,” and suggested that the Labour Party might “remove” Keir Starmer after local elections scheduled for May 2026. Turner made these remarks privately to a group of British students visiting Washington, D.C., which could potentially embarrass Downing Street and complicate King Charles III’s upcoming state visit.