Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones has rejected London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan's warnings about "resurgent fascism" ahead of Donald Trump's second inauguration as US president.
Speaking to The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News, Jones made clear the mayor's position was not shared by ministers.
"It's not the position of the UK government, as you would imagine," Jones said.
Khan has warned against the "march of the far-right" in the US, France and Germany, ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday.
Darren Jones distanced himself from Khan's remarks, claiming they are 'not the position of the Government'
In his Observer article, Khan warned of a "perilous moment" facing Western democracy. "The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the West," the mayor wrote, urging a strong defence of democratic values.
Khan had warned of a "century-defining challenge" facing progressives across the Western world, citing concerns about far-right figures gathering for Trump's inauguration.
Speaking to GB News about the remarks, Jones emphasised the enduring importance of UK-US relations, urging a focus beyond immediate controversies.
"The relationship between the UK and the United States is a long and important one," he said.
The London Mayor has warned that western democracy is at risk from ‘resurgent fascism’ ahead of Trump's inaugurationPAThe Treasury minister expressed confidence in Britain's global standing and capabilities.
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"What we do matters. We have an important role in the world. We have great assets here in the United Kingdom, and our trade and security relationships with the United States are foundational," Jones stated.
He highlighted optimism about future cooperation with the incoming administration.
"I think there will be plenty of opportunities under the Trump administration for us to work together, both in the British interests, but also in the interest of the United States of America, and we look forward to doing that work with the new administration," he said.
Jones dismissed concerns about potential diplomatic tensions regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
Jones told GB News that Khan's comments are 'not the Government's position'
GB News
"Peter Mandelson is a senior and experienced politician who's worked on the world stage as well as we all know, extensively at home here in UK government. He will be a brilliant ambassador for us in the United States," Jones said.
The Treasury minister highlighted the historic significance of the appointment.
"This is the first time in 50 years that a British prime minister has picked a politician to be our ambassador in the United States," he noted.
Jones praised Mandelson's expertise in international trade. "Peter Mandelson is a senior and respected politician with a lot of experience on trade and trading relationships between countries around the world, and I think that sets the type of relationship that we want to have going forward with the new administration," he added.
