New US ambassador alerts revival of the Special Relationship | UK | News | EUROtoday

The Special Relationship is again on the prime of Washington’s agenda, with Warren A. Stephens – a pro-British Reaganite banker – arriving in London final week to take up his submit as America’s new ambassador. Ambassador Stephens steps into the Court of St James’s simply 5 months after President Trump took workplace, the quickest such posting in 35 years, and a pointy distinction to Joe Biden’s 18-month delay.

A lifelong admirer of each Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, Stephens is predicted to take a agency pro-British, pro-trade method in his new position. Estimated to be price £3 billion, he constructed his fortune on the helm of Stephens Inc, the Little Rock-based funding agency based by his grandfather through the Great Depression.

The final US ambassador to be appointed with comparable velocity was Raymond Seitz, who had beforehand served as deputy ambassador in London. A profession diplomat, he was chosen by President George H. W. Bush to supply continuity after the Cold War and Margaret Thatcher’s departure, and introduced his credentials in June 1991, simply over three months after his nomination.

Stephens’ appointment comes amid a broader shift in President Trump’s method to Europe.

In an indication of the altering tone, Vice President JD Vance lately advised a Washington viewers: “The US and Europe are on the same civilisational team. It’s completely ridiculous to think that you’re ever going to be able to drive a firm wedge between the United States and Europe.”

But whereas strategic considerations will definitely be on his thoughts, it’s commerce which is able to prime the brand new ambassador’s to-do record. Before departing Washington, Stephens met with British ambassador Lord Mandelson to debate deepening financial ties – an indication of his private dedication to driving the agenda ahead.

At the signing of the latest US-UK commerce deal earlier this month, it was Stephens who was credited by Lord Mandelson as having been instrumental in “edging things over the line”.

Though new to diplomacy, the 67-year-old Arkansas billionaire brings many years of enterprise acumen and a deep admiration for Britain’s political and financial legacy.

As head of Stephens Inc, he earned a popularity for warning and self-discipline. During the 2008 monetary disaster, whereas Wall Street giants resembling Bear Stearns collapsed, his agency weathered the storm due to its coverage of conserving debt no greater than twice its fairness.

Barely settled into Winfield House – the palatial ambassador’s residence overlooking Regent’s Park – Stephens hosted US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for follow-up commerce talks with UK officers, aiming to focus on the “mutual benefits” of the settlement.

On his first day on the US Embassy, Stephens praised his crew for “working hard to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous” – a mirrored image, sources say, of his collaborative, business-first type.

“I have always wanted to serve my country, and the opportunity to do so as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St James’s is humbling and exciting,” he mentioned in his first public remarks. “I am committed to further strengthening the long-standing Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.”

An avid historical past buff, Stephens has a selected curiosity within the Second World War – a ardour shared by the final Trump appointee to London, fellow billionaire and New York Jets proprietor Woody Johnson. Sources say this outlook informs his robust perception in America’s enduring position in European safety.

To that finish, Stephens is predicted to play a central position in marking the eightieth anniversary of VE Day later this month.

“There has been a clear shift in President Trump’s stance towards Europe, and it began at Pope Francis’ funeral in April, when he and President Zelenskyy were seen deep in conversation in St Peter’s Basilica,” said Alina Polyakova, president of the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

“We are now seeing Europe play a more important role in the negotiations. The critical minerals deal between the US and Ukraine sent a strong message to Russia – the United States has skin in the game and is committed to Ukraine’s long-term success.”

His appointment was welcomed by transatlanticists.

“Warren Stephens is exactly the kind of ambassador the UK needs right now – someone who understands the value of the Special Relationship not just as history, but as the engine of global prosperity and security,” mentioned Sarah Elliott, director of the UK-US Special Relationship Unit on the Prosperity Institute.

“The Anglo-American community and the American expat community in the UK are very excited that we have a confirmed ambassador in London within the first six months. It’s a great sign for the Special Relationship,” she added.

This was echoed by a senior member of the Anglo-American enterprise community. who mentioned: “Having a confirmed ambassador in place just five months into the Trump administration sends a clear message that the White House wants to prioritise the UK. It’s a strong signal, and people are genuinely excited to see Stephens hit the ground running.”

Ambassador Stephens will full briefings with embassy workers and meet senior UK ministers and enterprise leaders, earlier than presenting his credentials to King Charles III, accompanied by his spouse Harriet, within the coming weeks.