New Zealand’s most senior diplomat in London loses his job over remarks about President Trump
Associated PressMAR 10
New Zealand Sacks UK Envoy Over Trump Remarks
Above: Phil Goff pictured in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sept. 16, 2021. Image copyright: Phil Walter/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These comments from a senior diplomat are deeply disappointing and do not represent the government of New Zealand. Goff should have known that such remarks about a world leader, irrespective of who it is, are inappropriate from a representative of the New Zealand government and make his continued position untenable.
Establishment-critical narrative
There are clear comparisons between the situation in 1938 and the current Russia-Ukraine war. Goff was not wrong to point these out and the experienced diplomat should not be let go just for making accurate observations.