Christ alive this would be a terrible decision. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... - ThreadSky

iandunt.bsky.social • 66 days ago

Christ alive this would be a terrible decision.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpvnlxxp8jko

Comments

Doesn’t really matter who they send, there will be no conventional diplomacy with the Putin / Musk / Trump junta. You may as well send Richelieu as your envoy to Pablo Escobar.

absolutelynotpc.bsky.social•66 days ago

Since they won't be listening to him, does it matter who we send?

deanburnett.bsky.social•66 days ago

Letting these people anywhere near power is a terrible decision

thegreenwichian.bsky.social•66 days ago

I disagree. He's an excellent choice, given the character of the up coming US government.

It takes one to know one.

magicgareth.bsky.social•66 days ago

This is the man who thought mushy peas were guacamole on a trip to a fish and chip shop.

tweetjohnnyboy.bsky.social•66 days ago

He has all the contacts, just the wrong ones.

iforb.bsky.social•66 days ago

I think this is a genius move. Trump's Washington doesn't need Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, it needs people who can deal with a nest of vipers and come out the other side without getting bitten.

timrothwell.bsky.social•66 days ago

It makes zero difference who we install.
It could be me or a plank of wood.
The US under Trump is insane so we have to wait a little over 4 years for it to end. I wish he’d won 2020 so it be over with now

dr-negrin.bsky.social•66 days ago

My main concern about this is how much Mandy is turned on by oligarchs.

patrickcherry.bsky.social•66 days ago

Yes, disappointed.
Weaselly.
Will try to twist Starmer towards US at expense if European relationships.

stephenfg.bsky.social•66 days ago

I thought it sounded like a great idea, let's face it no one is going to get much out of Trump and Mandelson can probably toady enough to stop him having a toddler tantrum and being an ambassador he will have to be a bit more discreet with his 'helpful advice' for the UK govt.

nickpchurch.bsky.social•66 days ago

I assume they think there's nobody else in the party with the gravitas to take on the new regime

jamesbottomley.bsky.social•66 days ago

Sending in a close friend of Epstein to work with another close friend of Epstein. You can see the logic.

leftiewokesue.bsky.social•66 days ago

Indeed

keithtastic.bsky.social•65 days ago

This decision to choose Mandelson shows once again Labour are geniuses who understand the future of this country is about elderly amoral lobbyists flattering sick sociopaths until they resign following an inevitable money related scandal.
God speed Peter & all who let him on their yacht!

vronr.bsky.social•66 days ago

Kim Darroch thinks the opposite.

finnsdoughart.bsky.social•66 days ago

Does it really matter mate?

The world's fucking mental mate. Not sure this'll make it any worse.🤷

nelstrid.bsky.social•66 days ago

My thoughts exactly.

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

Might be worth an effort to make it better though.

If you think it can't get better, you're playing Farages tune

finnsdoughart.bsky.social•66 days ago

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

Much as it's easy to think that, humanity has been a history of unrelenting progress, over longer periods. We nt be nice to be caught in one of the dips though.

But we can effect change. We have done before, we will do again. Humans are fucking great.

finnsdoughart.bsky.social•66 days ago

Yeah they're doing a great job in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen etc . Fucking Nazis on the rise everywhere, young men idolising Andrew Tate and 50 ordinary french men raping a drugged wife.

Hurricanes and deluges aplenty!

Go Humans!

robin.bobin.uk•66 days ago

What you say is all true. But with rapid climate change and youth struggling for housing at the time we most need them engaged and growing up with successful careers as experts, we do genuinely seem to be the ones unfortunate enough to be on the cusp of something uniquely bad and unrecoverable.

haylibop.bsky.social•66 days ago

We’re at an inflection point but maybe that’s no bad thing, overall

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

There have been times throughout history when people thought that. We can overcome.

fishytaste.bsky.social•66 days ago

Worse than maybe making Farage UK ambassador to US?

ghost-of.bsky.social•66 days ago

Epstein's frequent flyer 👀

hernehillandy.bsky.social•66 days ago

Well given that this country has only minor influence in the US - and will have even less under Trump - and that the job is mostly about shmoozing rich and powerful people, I think Mandelson might be quite good at it. And since no-one’s heard of him there, Trump might not even realise he’s Labour

iwishididnaekerr.bsky.social•66 days ago

He won't be out of place swimming with the sharks. Maybe that's the thinking. Tbh I'd rather go with somebody not steeped in the same cloth as president musk and his aides

bloomingkind.bsky.social•66 days ago

I am not sure if it’s a terrible decision or a brilliant one.. genuinely undecided

mal49.bsky.social•66 days ago

🤔 even Epstein would be turning in his grave at this one 🤯

homertrix.bsky.social•66 days ago

He’s not exactly Lord John Marbury.

jennysanders.bsky.social•66 days ago

Has anyone contacted him, he might be a better option?

skullkidtermina.bsky.social•66 days ago

This SOB should not be within 1000 miles of power

Good god he’s part of the reason we ended up here

stevecarney61.bsky.social•65 days ago

I think it is inspired. Would you prefer Sir Peregrine Foreskin having spent the last 124 years moving dust around a civil service back office? Mandy would drive Musk and Trump out of their tiny minds. Can’t wait.

jessemkf.bsky.social•65 days ago

Sir Peregrine Foreskin…. 🤣🤣🤣

agrippa7.bsky.social•66 days ago

Almost irrelevant. Trump isn’t even going to talk the the PM prior to any action.
Diplomacy is out the window (nice Putin pun made myself chuckle 🤪)

goldenface.bsky.social•66 days ago

At least they’ll be able to reminisce about Epstein Island together.

digitasmedia.bsky.social•66 days ago

We should sent Stephen Bartlett from dragons den.

stevebotham.bsky.social•66 days ago

Mandy and Trump. A relationship made in heaven. I guess Trump will get excited when he finds his new U.K. ambassador is called Mandy.

squirrelgrey.bsky.social•66 days ago

An excellent choice I think. Hands up who knows who the last one was? It’s a non job.

brightonbike.bsky.social•66 days ago

He is the best person to represent UK interests

leftiewokesue.bsky.social•66 days ago

How

brightonbike.bsky.social•66 days ago

Because he is a europhile

grumpycook.bsky.social•66 days ago

A dodgy politician going out to represent us to a dodgy administration. What can go wrong?

lucyarnold.bsky.social•66 days ago

Sending the Prince of Darkness to Trump/Musk America seems like a sublimely brilliant decision to me!

podkin.bsky.social•66 days ago

Because?

mikeyoftyrone.bsky.social•66 days ago

Nigel Farage will be disappointed.😂

micky24.bsky.social•66 days ago

At least there is that…..

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

I mean, it'd fuck Musk off no end, but other than that it's an awful idea.

mazzerooni.bsky.social•66 days ago

A lifetime of Jollies for Mandy

alimovesto.bsky.social•66 days ago

I can see the logic. Mandleson is exactly the kind of man to be unbothered by all the crap that will circulate around the Trump administration.

Maybe no-one else wanted it?

paulnuk.bsky.social•66 days ago

You need a snake in the viper's nest I suppose.

patcaf1.bsky.social•66 days ago

At least he has the connections from his mate epstein's little book.

emr67.bsky.social•66 days ago

He’s a global trade god. You didn’t know?

phil510.bsky.social•66 days ago

I think it’s a clever decision.

normannoseflute.bsky.social•66 days ago

Never been quite sure about him. "Prince of darkness" sums him up to me. Maybe he'll be good in the job but as a person, I'm not so sure🤔

jackcaramac.bsky.social•66 days ago

I don't know, tbh. Dealing with the sheer immorality of the Musk/Trump administration would destroy a normal person. To Mandelson, it's just another day at the office, and he at least understands the need for a liason that speaks their language. We'll see, I guess?

travistagr.bsky.social•66 days ago

And in any case, it’ll probably be 12 months max before he has to resign in disgrace again.

leedsu1.bsky.social•66 days ago

They were both mates with Epstein, some common ground there
.

johnkb.bsky.social•66 days ago

Because…..?

robin.bobin.uk•66 days ago

It seems to be the fashionable opinion 🤷‍♂️. Nobody is actually explaining why.

guskoettlitz.bsky.social•66 days ago

Not according to Kim Darroch, previous Ambassador to the USA.

alanzubillaga.bsky.social•66 days ago

I could never listen to this man's meanderings.

petertelford.bsky.social•66 days ago

Starmer does seem to have a sense of humour at least. Then again, Labour does live tearing itself apart when really it should be governing.

martinavatar.bsky.social•66 days ago

Trump likes obsequious people.

Mandelson is exceptionally obsequious.

I actually think this might work for us.

kopitekai.bsky.social•66 days ago

Incredible, isn't it?

What *are* the government thinking?

mullinshere.bsky.social•66 days ago

If it will annoy Musk, that'll be just fine. And you'll be rid of him a while. I think we're sending you a rather bloated banker who always wanted to see England.

pmosletov.bsky.social•66 days ago

What do you mean, he’s a perfect choice - Mandy and Donny will get on and all will be well in the special relationship!

gunweary.bsky.social•66 days ago

Not only wrong bu symptomatic of the utter lack of imagination. Mandelson can also do his Palantir thing while he's there

pascjack.bsky.social•66 days ago

I'm in two minds. A venal, money-grabbing shyster with the integrity of an alley-cat may be what we need ... horses for courses? I feel a bit sorry for our many brilliant career diplomats, for whom this would have been a role to savour.

butwhatifitsall.bsky.social•66 days ago

Starmer seems to be working to the principle of: “What would sensible people in my party do? I’ll do the opposite; that’ll show ‘em!”

jwripple.bsky.social•66 days ago

Resurrecting all the worst Blairites. You knew he would do it, but even so ...

johnfryett.bsky.social•65 days ago

Disagree. It’s an inspired choice.

dlynch.bsky.social•66 days ago

Could someone, who actually knows, like @snellarthur.bsky.social please explain what a British ambassador to somewhere important like the U.S. actually does?

What do they actually *do*?

How significant a role is it really?

I can't be the only one who doesn't know...

Tx

kecastle.bsky.social•66 days ago

Indeed. Mandelson is a Hobbsian & globalist. His instinct will be to ride big bad Prince America all the way. We'll get another Iraq war. Probably to do with Taiwan this time & against long term British interests econonomically given domestic issues post austerity & problems re climate change.

farmerukr.bsky.social•66 days ago

If he was half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be twice as good as he actually is.

trombolese.bsky.social•66 days ago

I dunno. Pointless having a hectoring moralist in the current landscape. Better to have a devious fkr I think.

billymac1964.bsky.social•66 days ago

Starmer is bound to do it, then.

sergeantpluck.bsky.social•66 days ago

A gift to the Tories. Starmer needs to go.

freddies.bsky.social•65 days ago

The Epstein connection with Trump means he'll have something in common .His Russian Oligach connection with Musk and Putin .He's compromised before he starts .

salsapitomnia.bsky.social•66 days ago

The Prince of Darkness arises from his tomb once again!!!

antnyg.bsky.social•66 days ago

The man’s an unexploded scandal.

How many times are they going to let him prove this?

It’s a bit mad.

peteinsaltaire.bsky.social•66 days ago

Mandy can be mortgage advisor and fiddler for Trump's property empire.

iandunt.bsky.social•66 days ago

You need someone with a strong moral core for that job, at this moment. Mandelson ain't it.

alanrew.bsky.social•66 days ago

It takes a thief to catch a thief.

Him & Trump will understand each other. Mandelson is also a lot smarter than Trump (an admittedly low bar, but it helps).

leftiewokesue.bsky.social•66 days ago

Yeah, they can chat about old times on Jeffery Epstein's Paedophile Island

ianlineham.bsky.social•66 days ago

I think the opposite. We need someone who can ride the waves of sleaze and chaos while keeping his end game in sight, and is flexible enough to keep Trump onside
More Slow Horses than...we'll, I can't think of a moral high ground fictional spy, but hopefully you get my point!

artsmithdrums.bsky.social•66 days ago

I agree, the moral high ground in politics is gone, that’s yesterday’s battle.

ianlineham.bsky.social•66 days ago

Particularly in Washington now. Entirely grubby

gautampk.com•66 days ago

That would be an excellent way to get absolutely nowhere

cabinetstories.bsky.social•66 days ago

plus, you know, the Farage/Trump thing

oldbakes50.bsky.social•66 days ago

Oh Mandy he came and he gave without taking

janetrad.bsky.social•66 days ago

Caught up in a world of uphill climbing....

nickrider.bsky.social•66 days ago

Rightwing Labour always thinks it can achieve big things in the US by acting clever-clever, sucking up to whoever’s in power and bleating about a ‘special relationship’. They’d do better to develop some principles.

jamesbottomley.bsky.social•66 days ago

And a backbone. Not much evidence of either currently.

cwritesstuff.bsky.social•66 days ago

Starmer isn’t on the Labour Right. And are you trying to argue we can do ‘big things’ in a Trump America by sticking to our principles? How would that work?

aozora-aonami.bsky.social•66 days ago

I'm not sure that's true. Someone with a strong moral code will get nowhere with this nest of vipers.

hunjanmarlow.bsky.social•66 days ago

Why does it need someone with a 'strong moral code' to be UK ambassador to US?

trevm12.bsky.social•66 days ago

Can't fight immorality with morals. It takes strength & guts!

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

You might need someone who can be told what their moral core should be

andythefermer.bsky.social•66 days ago

A picture paints…….

amyrockson.bsky.social•66 days ago

Though, in some ways - like him or not - the appointment might be inspired. It takes a weasel to deal with snakes.

(What a sad state of affairs).

stingray99.bsky.social•66 days ago

He's not in line for Archbishop of Canterbury.

magnificocleary.bsky.social•66 days ago

He is perhaps somewhat overly pragmatic (that's me trying diplomacy)

thevoice0freason.bsky.social•66 days ago

My first thought.
My second was that maybe in a nest of vipers, throwing in your own snake is not a bad idea.

gatopaulistano.bsky.social•66 days ago

Strong Lord John Marbury vibes (give or take the booze)

kateedmonds.bsky.social•66 days ago

That was always the way in the past. But for dealing with Trump, maybe we need someone a little bit more slippery.

mehero.bsky.social•66 days ago

Anyone with a strong moral core would have a nervous breakdown doing that job.

mimij9.bsky.social•65 days ago

Na

You need a slimy, two faced, ruthless bastard.

danielj.uk•65 days ago

I'm unfortunately minded that it's a bit of an inspired choice. 😶

fraserw.bsky.social•66 days ago

I disagree. You need a machiavellian in the current US climate.... and Mandelson is that.

jimrafferty.bsky.social•66 days ago

Mandelson has a history of cosying up to the right wing. Trump needs challenging.

fraserw.bsky.social•66 days ago

Maybe so, but is that the role of the ambassador? I'd argue not. Mandelson is a snake oil seller, I wouldn't trust him, but he may well be what is needed in the US at the moment.

lrusse.bsky.social•66 days ago

This was my reaction. Mandelson may be an unprincipled, amoral weasel, but surely that makes him better placed than most to do this role.

Anyone with a shred of integrity would have a nervous breakdown within weeks

thinkitthrough.bsky.social•66 days ago

Who would you suggest? ..

tristramc.bsky.social•66 days ago

Someone who is straight and plays golf.

stelladebris.bsky.social•66 days ago

Or none whatsoever.

overhimself.bsky.social•66 days ago

Why are we copying the American thing of appointing a political figure? Our ambassador to the US should be one of the best of our career diplomats. Especially with the challenges of Trump we need someone who understands how to be forceful without causing offence.

kristianravnkilde.bsky.social•66 days ago

We need someone with a moral compass as the ambassador's boss in the first place.

cs1960.bsky.social•66 days ago

They’re all climbing aboard the corruption gravy train

tramowl.bsky.social•65 days ago

Kim Daroch had a moral core, yet he didnt last. Mandalson is a complete shit and will find many friends in the next administration. However, he will come unstuck as he always does. Just another Starmer fuck up.

kherbert99.bsky.social•66 days ago

He is a WINNER,,, great appointment

causticcelt.bsky.social•66 days ago

He would fit in with the creepy freak show coming to power in the US in January though, so maybe there is method in the madness.

capripan.bsky.social•66 days ago

Part of the resurgence of the Blairite Labour Party.
It’s been happening for a while and set to continue

stv1dr.bsky.social•66 days ago

He's been interfering in business at Number 10, so a shrewd move by Starmer to move him a few thousand miles away.

chrismo76.bsky.social•65 days ago

Like Churchill sending Halifax over there during the war.

mado007.bsky.social•66 days ago

He is clever, devious and manipulative. He has a lot of experience as a trade negociator.
Perfect for the job. 🤷

mikerobson.bsky.social•66 days ago

There’s no trade negotiation going on and I’d worry Mandelson thinks he’s clever.

carpevino67.bsky.social•66 days ago

Mandelson is clever. In a machiavellian way. I think he's perfect.

mikerobson.bsky.social•66 days ago

If Mandelson was properly clever and Machiavellian then you wouldn’t know he was Machiavellian.

carpevino67.bsky.social•66 days ago

Only the cognoscenti know. Takes one to know one.

dwmacleod.bsky.social•66 days ago

Actually I think he knows how clever he is, and knows when to bring cleverer people into the room.

Kind of the opposite of Dom in that regard

farmerukr.bsky.social•66 days ago

If he was half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be twice as good as he actually is.

timj64.bsky.social•66 days ago

Schooled by Epstein.Perfect for the job.

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