Four former British ambassadors to the United States have expressed concerns about the future of intelligence-sharing between the UK and the US following Donald Trump’s re-election. Speaking before the House of Lords’ International Relations and Defence Committee, they warned that some of Trump’s key appointees could complicate security cooperation and strain the long-standing UK-US alliance.
Sir David Manning, who served as ambassador from 2003 to 2007, cautioned that certain figures in Trump’s administration had “strange track records” and could create “a problem on the intelligence front.” Dame Karen Pierce, who left her role last month, reassured that while intelligence-sharing would continue, “at the top level, there might be things we wish to be circumspect about.” Sir Nigel Sheinwald, ambassador from 2007 to 2012, described the relationship as “trickier to handle than probably at any other time,” warning that some of Trump’s security appointees “may present difficulties in terms of their views of us and cooperation.”
While no specific individuals were named, concerns have been raised over Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who has previously echoed Russian justifications for its invasion of Ukraine. Her appointment has been welcomed by Russian state media, raising fears among allies about intelligence security. Earlier this year, retired US diplomat Lewis Lukens warned that Gabbard’s “dubious judgment” could lead allies to question how safe it is to share intelligence with the US. However, during her confirmation hearing, Gabbard dismissed accusations of being “Putin’s puppet” as “lies and smears.”
Sir David Manning stressed that if the UK wanted to remain America’s “go-to ally,” it needed to have “something to offer.” However, he noted that Britain’s military resources were already stretched, making intelligence-sharing a crucial element in maintaining strong ties. Lord Soames highlighted that the UK remains “very, very, very good” at intelligence and security, questioning whether this would continue to support the UK-US relationship. Sir Peter Westmacott, ambassador from 2012 to 2016, pointed to a “changing culture” within US institutions, warning that “a lot of very good people are being thrown out because they do not pass the loyalty test.” However, he noted that even in the best diplomatic relationships, intelligence is sometimes withheld to protect sources and prevent leaks.
Despite concerns over Trump’s administration, Dame Karen Pierce emphasized that intelligence cooperation between the US and UK is “unique” and will endure, even if some caution is required at the highest levels.
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