UK Says Envoy’s Remarks on US Ties Don’t Reflect Official Stance

UK Ambassador to the US Christian Turner at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 28.

Photographer: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The UK said newly revealed remarks by its US ambassador, which appeared to play down the status of the so-called special relationship, don’t reflect the official position of the government.

The ambassador, Christian Turner, said that the US’s only special relationship is “probably Israel,” the Financial Times reportedBloomberg Terminal on Tuesday, citing a recording of the remarks. He also criticized the American political system for failing to hold associates of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to account, saying the scandal “hasn’t touched anybody” in the US.