In a recent development, New Zealand’s top diplomatic representative to the United Kingdom has been dismissed following comments made regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Foreign Minister of New Zealand made this announcement on Thursday, highlighting that the remarks were made during an event in London.
Phil Goff, who has been serving as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the U.K., spoke at a Chatham House event in London earlier this week. During his interaction, Goff posed a question to Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, referencing a notable 1938 speech by Winston Churchill when he critiqued the Munich Agreement that allowed Nazi Germany to annex portions of Czechoslovakia. Goff quoted Churchill’s famous rebuke: “You had the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, yet you will have war.”
Goff’s question to Valtonen centered around Donald Trump’s decision to restore Churchill’s bust to the Oval Office, questioning whether Trump genuinely comprehends historical context. Valtonen, responding with measured diplomacy, acknowledged Churchill’s insightful historical remarks, resisting any direct commentary on Trump’s understanding of history.
The conversation took place while Valtonen discussed Finland’s strategy towards European security, which was presented under the theme of maintaining peace alongside NATO’s extensive boundary with Russia. The video recording of the event, made available by Chatham House, showed the audience reacting with amused murmurs to Goff’s pointed question.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters addressed inquiries from the press regarding Goff’s statements, describing them as disappointing and rendering his role unsustainable. Peters emphasized the diplomat’s responsibility to embody governmental positions, noting, “You’re not able to free think, you are the face of New Zealand.”
Discussions are currently underway between officials and Goff concerning the transition of leadership within New Zealand’s diplomatic mission in London. Goff has been in this role since the beginning of 2023. While he has not issued an official statement, foreign ministry communications confirmed ongoing conversations about his return to New Zealand.
The decision to terminate Goff’s post was met with criticism from former Prime Minister Helen Clark. In a social media response, she criticized the justification for his removal as insubstantial, praising Goff as a “highly respected” former foreign minister whose career should not end over the questioned incident.
