The victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the US Presidential election has been commented upon by UK politicians this morning, including the Prime Minister Theresa May. A statement issued by Downing Street congratulated Trump on his win 'following a hard-fought campaign' and looked towards a continued relationship between the US and the UK on matters of trade, security, and defence. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted about Trump's victory and how he looked forward to working with Trump and his administration.
Both May and Johnson have previously made negative comments about Trump.
Whilst home secretary, May questioned his call to ban Muslims from entering the US if he became president, calling it 'divisive'. Johnson, meanwhile, has previously said that he wouldn't go to some areas of New York due to 'the real risk of meeting Donald Trump', in response to Trump's comments about parts of London.
Political warnings
Not everybody was as congratulatory, however. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that Trump's victory showed 'unmistakable rejection of a political establishment and an economic system that simply isn’t working for most people', but noted that many people in Britain would be shocked by the result. He condemned Trump's rhetoric, but had a positivity for the people of America in general.
Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, issued a statement after the result saying that 'liberal values of moderation, freedom, respect for the rule of law, openness and concern for one another can no longer be taken for granted'.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated Trump but expressed disappointment that Hillary Clinton would not be America's first female president.
She added hope that 'the President elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalised by his campaign', displaying global fears about the divisive nature of the campaign.
Britain watches
Just like its politicians, Britain will be watching America very closely in the aftermath of this election and considering what this means for global Politics.
Comparisons have already been drawn between the US election result and the referendum that result in Brexit, suggesting that those disenfranchised by modern politics have looked for extreme answers. Across Britain there is surprise and resignation at the American Election result, but it is the future of this result that matters now.
