U.K. ambassador, in leaked remarks, said the "one country" with a "special relationship" with the U.S. is "probably Israel"

Key Points:

• Britain's Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Christian Turner, stated in February that Israel is likely the only country with a "special relationship" with the United States, a term he found outdated when applied to the U.K.-U.S. bond.
• Turner criticized the lack of repercussions in the U.S. over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, noting it had brought down significant figures in the U.K. but "hasn't touched anybody" in the U.S.
• The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office clarified that Turner's remarks were private and informal, not reflecting the official UK government stance, while emphasizing the strong U.K.-U.S. ties, especially in defense and security.
• Turner's comments surfaced amid King Charles III and Queen Camila's state visit to the U.S., aimed at strengthening transatlantic relations after tensions caused by U.S. President Trump's criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
• Starmer has faced domestic political pressure related to the Epstein scandal, having dismissed Peter Mandelson, a former ambassador and Epstein associate, shortly after Epstein's connections were publicly revealed.