WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s most senior representative in the United Kingdom has been dismissed from his position following controversial comments he made about U.S. President Donald Trump at an event in London earlier this week, according to New Zealand’s foreign minister.

Phil Goff, who serves as New Zealand’s high commissioner in the U.K., made these statements at an event organized by the Chatham House international affairs think tank in London on Tuesday.

During the event, Goff, in a question directed at Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, referenced a historic speech by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill from 1938—when Churchill was a member of Parliament under Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Churchill’s speech criticized Britain’s signing of the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler, which facilitated Germany’s annexation of part of Czechoslovakia. Goff quoted Churchill as saying to Chamberlain, “You had the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, yet you will have war.”

Goff then inquired, “President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?” The comment prompted laughter from the audience, and Valtonen responded with a remark suggesting Churchill’s insights were timeless.

Valtonen’s speech at the event focused on Finland’s strategy for European security, titled ‘Keeping the peace on NATO’s longest border with Russia.’

In response to Goff’s statements, Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed disappointment, stating that Goff’s position had become unsustainable. He underscored the importance of representing the government and its policies accurately as a diplomat.

“We will move forward with the leadership transition at our mission in London,” Peters announced, without indicating when Goff’s successor would be named.

Goff has held the position of New Zealand’s envoy to the U.K. since January 2023 and did not immediately comment on his dismissal.

New Zealand’s foreign ministry confirmed they were discussing Goff’s return to New Zealand.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who previously led Goff as a lawmaker, criticized his dismissal as “a very thin excuse” to remove a highly respected and accomplished diplomat from his role.

Source: https://time.com/7265614/new-zealands-top-diplomat-in-london-loses-his-job-over-remarks-about-president-trump/