The United Kingdom ambassador to the United States said in a leaked recording that he avoids using the phrase 'special relationship' to describe ties between the two countries, calling it nostalgic and burdened with baggage. He suggested that if any country holds a truly special relationship with the United States, it is probably Israel.

Speaking privately to a group of students, he emphasized that the United Kingdom and the United States still share deep historical ties, particularly in security, defence and economic cooperation. He noted that the two countries work together in ways unmatched by most other nations.

However, he said the relationship is entering a new era and cannot rely solely on longstanding assumptions, particularly regarding security in Europe. The Foreign Office responded by stressing that the remarks were informal and do not reflect the official position of the government.