Peter Mandelson says he was wrong to call Donald Trump a danger to the world

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lord Peter Mandelson was “wrong” to describe Donald Trump as a “danger to the world”, the incoming British ambassador to the US has said. In an interview with Fox News, Lord Mandelson retracted comments he made about the US President in 2019, saying Mr Trump had gained “fresh respect” from him. He added: “I think that with the approach he is taking to government, which frankly just seems to us in Britain so much more organised, it’s so much more coherent, he seems to be so much more clear in what he wants to do, we take encouragement from that, that gives us greater confidence.” The incoming ambassador’s intervention comes as the Government attempts to build bridges with the Trump administration and exempt British goods from the global tariffs the new president has threatened to impose. In her speech on Wednesday, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would be “guided by one clear principle, above all, to act in the national interest for our economy”, adding: “That means building on our special relationship with the United States under President Trump.” Earlier in the week, Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer had had “very good early engagement” with Mr Trump during a 45-minute phone call that touched on trade and the economy.