Foreign
New Zealand High Commissioner to UK Dismissed Over Trump Remarks.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has terminated the appointment of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, effective immediately. The decision follows comments made by Mr. Goff at a London forum which were perceived as critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mr. Goff reportedly questioned President Trump’s understanding of history, drawing comparisons between his approach to Russia and the actions of Winston Churchill during World War II.
In a statement released Thursday, Minister Peters characterized Mr. Goff’s remarks as “deeply disappointing,” stating that they do not reflect the views of the New Zealand government and render his continued tenure in London untenable. Mr. Goff, a former Foreign Minister and Labour Party lawmaker, was appointed High Commissioner in 2023. The dismissal highlights the importance of diplomatic officials adhering to government policy and refraining from expressing personal opinions that could potentially damage international relations.