Lord Peter Mandelson, a key architect of the New Labour era, has issued a stark warning about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. The former Business Secretary and EU Trade Commissioner believes a Trump victory could have profound and dangerous consequences for the United Kingdom's post-Brexit position.
Mandelson's central concern lies in the ongoing trade tensions between the UK and the European Union. He fears that a Trump administration would not act as a neutral ally but would instead seek to exploit these divisions for American gain.
A Strategy of Division
"His strategy will be to try and play the UK off against the EU and the EU off against the UK," Mandelson stated. He envisions a scenario where Trump would approach the UK, offering a trade deal but demanding harsh terms that undermine British interests, particularly in areas like food standards and environmental regulations.
Simultaneously, Mandelson suggests Trump would pressure the EU with threats of trade wars, creating a volatile environment where Britain gets caught in the crossfire. This strategy, he argues, would weaken both European powers and ultimately benefit the United States.
Blair's Concerns Echoed
This warning aligns with recent comments from former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who also highlighted the significant risks a second Trump term poses to global stability. Mandelson's intervention adds weight to the growing unease within Britain's political establishment about the November US election.
The former minister criticised the current Conservative government's approach, suggesting their reliance on a US trade deal as a primary Brexit benefit has left the UK particularly vulnerable to this kind of political pressure from a potentially hostile US president.
A Call for Cohesion
Mandelson's solution is for the UK to urgently mend its relationship with the European Union. He advocates for building a stronger, more collaborative partnership to present a united front, making it more difficult for a foreign power to drive a wedge between them.
His comments serve as a sobering reminder that the aftermath of Brexit is still unfolding and that the UK's economic future remains deeply intertwined with the geopolitical landscape, particularly the outcome of American politics.
