Michael Goodwin: The British ambassador was right —the ‘special relationship’ is in tatters
British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner sparked controversy by questioning the relevance of the 'special relationship' between the UK and the US, calling the term nostalgic and outdated. His comments, made to British students, contrasted with the UK government's official stance and came amid tensions over Prime Minister Keir Starmer's opposition to US military actions in Iran. Turner suggested that Israel, not the UK, currently holds a true 'special relationship' with the United States.
- ▪Sir Christian Turner, the British ambassador to the US, criticized the term 'special relationship' as 'nostalgic' and 'backwards-looking' during a conversation with students.
- ▪The UK government distanced itself from Turner's remarks, stating they did not reflect official policy.
- ▪Turner observed that Israel is currently the only country that has a 'special relationship' with the United States.
- ▪Relations between the UK and US have been strained by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to support the US war effort in Iran.
- ▪King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Washington in an effort to repair diplomatic ties with President Trump.
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Michael Goodwin Opinion Michael Goodwin: The British ambassador was right —the ‘special relationship’ is in tatters By Michael Goodwin Published May 2, 2026, 8:48 p.m. ET An old but memorable view holds that “an ambassador is an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his country.” If true, the British ambassador to the United States has utterly failed to do his duty. Instead, Sir Christian Turner told a very unfortunate truth about Great Britain and its tattered ties with America. His words became public just as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington to try to mend relations with President Trump, who has publicly bashed Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to support the US war effort in Iran.
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