The prime minister has congratulated Donald Trump on his “historic victory” at the US election, as the former president looks set to win another term.
Trump claimed victory at a rally in Florida after sweeping three of the key battleground states hours after the polls closed.
In a statement, Keir Starmer said: “Congratulations president-elect Trump on your historic election victory.
“I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
“From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
The full result is yet to be declared, but Trump is only four short of the 270 electoral votes needed for a formal victory.
The UK prime minister was one of the first world leaders to recognise the US Republican nominee’s victory.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, is another to have congratulated Trump.
Zelenskyy said he appreciated Trump’s “commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach” to global affairs and that the principle could “bring just peace in Ukraine closer”.
“I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership”, he added.
David Lammy, the foreign secretary, has also offered his congratulations to Trump, saying the UK “has no greater friend than the US, with the special relationship being cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years.”
“We look forward to working with you and J D Vance in the years ahead”, he posted to X/Twitter.
Meanwhile, Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, hit out at the apparent Trump victory, claiming it marks a “dark, dark day for people around the globe.”
He said: “This is a dark, dark day for people around the globe. The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.
“The next President of the United States is a man who actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security. Millions of Americans – especially women and minorities – will be incredibly fearful about what comes next. We stand with them.
“Families across the UK will also be worrying about the damage Trump will do to our economy and our national security, given his record of starting trade wars, undermining NATO and emboldening tyrants like Putin.
“Fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU is even more urgent than before. We must strengthen trade and defence cooperation across Europe to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.
“Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, struck a similar tone. He said: “I know that many Londoners will be anxious about the outcome of the US Presidential election. Many will be fearful about what it will mean for democracy and for women’s rights, or how the result impacts the situation in the Middle East or the fate of Ukraine. Others will be worried about the future of NATO or tackling the climate crisis.
“London is – and will always be – for everyone. We will always be pro-women, pro-diversity, pro-climate and pro-human rights.
“London is a place where we’re proud of our diversity, proud of the contribution of all our communities and proud of our spirit of unity. These are some of the values that will continue to bind us together as Londoners.”
“The lesson of today is that progress is not inevitable. But asserting our progressive values is more important than ever – re-committing to building a world where racism and hatred is rejected, the fundamental rights of women and girls are upheld, and where we continue to tackle the crisis of climate change head on.”
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on X/Twitter here.
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