For Peter Mandelson, a powerful alliance with the United States is the ultimate prize, and his recent speech shows he’s willing to risk it all to win it. The praise for Donald Trump and the shift on Brexit are not random acts but calculated risks in a high-stakes game where the goal is to secure the UK’s permanent seat at the world’s top table.
The centrepiece of this strategy is the proposed technology partnership. Mandelson believes that by making Britain an indispensable tech ally to the US, the UK can gain unparalleled geopolitical influence. This alliance is not just a goal; it is the goal—the source of all future power and relevance for a post-Brexit Britain.
The risks involved—alienating old allies, upending past political stances—are deemed acceptable for this prize. The embrace of Trump and Brexit’s “freedoms” are pragmatic tools to signal unwavering commitment to Washington. It’s a clear message that the UK will be the flexible, reliable partner the US needs, unlike the more cumbersome EU.
Ultimately, the speech was a testament to the perceived value of this ultimate prize. It was a rejection of the narrative of decline and an all-in bet on a new vision of “Global Britain.” This vision is entirely predicated on forging a unique and powerful bond with the United States, a core mission now placed above all else.