Conservative peer Lord Daniel Moylan has launched a scathing attack on Lord Peter Mandelson, dismissing the British ambassador to Washington as a "rather ridiculous figure" following his involvement in the newly announced US-UK trade deal.
Speaking on GB News, Lord Moylan questioned the significance of Mandelson's diplomatic role, despite the Labour peer receiving praise from former US President Donald Trump during their White House meeting.
The criticism comes after Mandelson stood alongside Trump as the trade agreement was formally announced on Thursday.
Lord Moylan did not hold back in his assessment of Mandelson's diplomatic credentials.
Lord Daniel Moylan hit out at Lord Mandelson
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"Of course he was there [at the announcement]. Wherever there is a camera, he is there," Moylan told GB News.
"Whenever there's a dinner party, he's there moving around the tables. Diplomacy is about substance and I don't think anyone takes him very seriously."
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Donald Trump has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on reaching a trade deal with the USREUTERSThe Conservative peer suggested Mandelson was merely seeking publicity rather than making substantive contributions to international relations.
"If he wants to claim some credit for this modest deal, he is perfectly entitled to do that," Moylan added.
The trade deal announcement took place at the White House on Thursday, where Trump notably praised Mandelson's "beautiful accent" during their meeting.
The US president and Sir Keir Starmer formally announced the agreement, with Trump adding that the "final details" were still being "written up."
Lord Moylan said Mandelson can claim credit for a 'modest' US-UK trade deal
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The deal aims to reduce the impact of sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump last month, which placed a 10 per cent levy on all UK exports and a 25 per cent charge on steel, aluminium and cars.
Lord Moylan was particularly dismissive of the note Trump gave to Mandelson, which was inscribed with "Peter: great job."
"He's even got a note from Donald Trump saying 'well done, Peter'. That's what you get if you have been shafted by Donald Trump," Moylan remarked sarcastically.
The handwritten note had been proudly displayed by Mandelson as he left the White House meeting.
Trump had gifted Mandelson his speaking notes with the personal inscription following their somewhat awkward initial handshake.
Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to Washington represents another chapter in his rollercoaster career, which has seen multiple comebacks.
The 71-year-old appears comfortable in the diplomatic spotlight, having released a three-minute autobiographical video on social media shortly after arriving in Washington.
His current role capitalises on his "superbly honed communications skills and considerable charm," according to reports.
Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, Mandelson co-founded the Global Counsel consultancy, giving him experience with international elites that few Labour politicians possess.
