New Zealand has dismissed its ambassador to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, after he publicly questioned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s grasp of history related to World War II. The decision came from New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, who stated that Goff’s position had become “untenable” following his comments during a panel discussion in London.
Goff made his remarks at a Chatham House event where he compared Trump’s attempts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine to the 1938 Munich Agreement, which allowed Nazi Germany to take over parts of Czechoslovakia. He referenced a famous speech by Winston Churchill, where Churchill warned against the dangers of appeasement, saying, “You had the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, yet you will have war.”
In response to Goff’s comments, Peters emphasized that diplomats must represent New Zealand’s government and policies without personal opinions that could affect the country’s future. He expressed disappointment over having to make such a decision but felt it was necessary.
Goff has not yet commented on his dismissal. Before becoming the High Commissioner in 2023, he had a long career in politics, including serving as New Zealand’s foreign minister and as mayor of Auckland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently discussing Goff’s return to New Zealand, but no further details have been released. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark criticized the decision, calling it a “very thin excuse” and noted that similar views were expressed at the recent Munich Security Conference she attended.