Sir Keir Starmer has been placed under yet more pressure to reverse Brexit amid concerns about the economic pressures Donald Trump could exert on the UK if he returns to the White House.
Campaigners who oppose the UK’s decision to cut ties with the EU believe rejoining the single market, customs union or Brussels bloc altogether could alleviate the fiscal pain.
Trump’s likely return to the White House is fuelling fears after the 45th President threatened a blanket 10 per cent tariff on all imports, with the levy rising as high as 60 per cent for goods from China.
The US is also Britain’s single biggest trade partner, above Germany, the Netherlands, France and China.
Liberal Democrat Minister leader Sir Ed Davey said: “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.”
In a somber reaction to Trump’s victory, Davey added: “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.”
Despite supporting a second referendum on EU membership in 2019, the Prime Minister is clear that he will not rejoin the single market, customs union or Brussels bloc.
However, Starmer’s Labour Government is hoping to “reset” cross-Channel relations.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Trump on his victory this morning, adding: “We stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
Senior Labour MP labels Trump racist sexual predator minutes after victory speech
Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair Emily Thornberry has yet again labelled Donald Trump as a racist sexual predator.
Just minutes after Trump’s Mar-a-Lago victory speech, the Islington South MP was asked if she stood by her previous comments in 2019.
She said: “Well, he is. But he is the President of the United States, and we need to work with him.”
Farage urges Starmer to ‘grasp huge opportunity’ after Trump victory
Nigel Farage has put pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to “grasp” the opportunity presented by Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.
After sharing a photo alongside the next President, the Reform UK leader said: “Donald Trump is a genuine friend of the United Kingdom.
“Keir Starmer must roll out the red carpet for the 47th President of the USA. This is a huge opportunity to be grasped.”
Lammy ‘looking forward’ to working with Trump after years of bashing ex-President
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he is “looking forward” to working with Donald Trump and JD Vance as the Republican duo declared victory over Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Lammy, who previously called Trump a “neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath”, said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on your victory.
“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 JD Vance in the years ahead.”
Keir Starmer congratulates Donald Trump as PM predicts special relationship will ‘propser’
Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Donald Trump as the ex-President looks set to return to the White House in January.
Starmer, who was keeping an eye on the 2024 US Presidential Election last night, 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.”
Starmer’s remarks came just minutes after French President Emmanuel Macron sent his message to Trump.
Macron said: “Congratulations President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we have done for four years.
“With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
Tory veteran offered Shadow Cabinet advice ahead of Badenoch’s showdown with Starmer
Sir Iain Duncan Smith
PA
Ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has offered some advice to the Shadow Cabinet ahead of Kemi Badenoch’s PMQs showdown with Sir Keir Starmer.
Speaking to GB News’, the Brexit-backing Chingford & Woodford Green MP said: “I went there to address [the Shadow Cabinet], so there’s a start.
“I just said what opposition is like. You’ve got to remember, we’re a whole generation away from opposition now, and so most of the MPs that are in the cabinet have never, in fact all of them, have never experienced opposition.”
He added: “Well, for the opposition it is. It is essentially a form of [guerrilla warfare] because that’s what you want. That’s what the public want.
“They want to know that you’re on the front foot and holding them to account no matter what, so they don’t get away with some of these flip decisions like banning this and banning that, or raising taxes.
“You’re going to be on the side of those who have to pick up the bill.”