Janice R. Andrews
Lord Mandelson Advises Keir Starmer to End Feud with Elon Musk
Labour peer Lord Mandelson has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to “swallow your pride” and reconcile with Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and key ally of Donald Trump. Mandelson, a leading contender to become Britain’s next ambassador to the United States, emphasized the importance of restoring relations with Musk, whom he described as a “technological, industrial, and commercial phenomenon.”
The dispute between Starmer and Musk arose earlier this year when Musk caused controversy by declaring that “civil war is inevitable” amid widespread riots in the UK. He accused UK police of bias and referred to Starmer as “Two Tier Keir.” Musk later faced backlash and was forced to withdraw baseless claims that Starmer had established detainment camps in the Falkland Islands for rioters.
Musk’s Growing Role in U.S. Politics
Since Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Musk’s political influence has grown significantly. Appointed to co-lead the new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has emerged as a close Trump ally, earning the nickname “first buddy.”
The Tesla CEO has appeared frequently alongside Trump, including meetings with Argentinian President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago and attending an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event. Musk also reportedly joined a high-profile phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring his role in global political discussions.
Mandelson’s Call for Diplomacy
Speaking on The Times’ podcast How To Win An Election, Mandelson urged Starmer to move past the disagreement. “You cannot pursue these feuds,” he said. “It would be unwise for Britain to ignore Musk. You’ve got to get over it and mend the relationship.”
Mandelson proposed utilizing Musk’s British connections to build bridges, suggesting the government identify influential allies, even those outside Labour’s political circle. He specifically mentioned Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, as someone who could help re-establish ties.
“You’ve got to be practical,” Mandelson stated. “Farage serves as a bridge to both Trump and Musk. The national interest must come first.”
Balancing Diplomatic Priorities
As Mandelson vies for two prominent roles—Britain’s ambassador to Washington and head of Oxford University—his comments highlight the complexities of modern diplomacy. He has previously argued that holding both positions would not be incompatible.
Mandelson’s remarks underscore concerns about Britain’s ability to maintain constructive relations with influential figures like Musk, whose $300 billion fortune and technological leadership make him a key player on the global stage.
Reconciliation for Britain’s Future
The former Cabinet minister encouraged swift action, emphasizing that repairing relations with Musk aligns with Britain’s strategic interests. “We should address this feud as soon as possible,” Mandelson said. “Musk needs to be reintroduced to the British Government.”
With Musk now deeply embedded in Trump’s political agenda, Mandelson’s appeal reflects the risks of alienating such a prominent figure. His pragmatic approach highlights the necessity of setting aside personal disputes to serve broader diplomatic goals.
As Britain navigates evolving global dynamics, the question remains: will Sir Keir Starmer take Mandelson’s advice and seek to rebuild ties with Elon Musk?
