World leaders have been quick to react to the landslide win achieved by the Labour Party with many pre-empting the work they plan to discuss with this country’s new Prime Minister.
Key politicians in the European Union, including the outgoing President of the European Council Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his victory.
Ms Von der Leyen wrote on X: “I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose party is facing a devastating defeat in the second round of national election on July 7, also referred to future collaborations as he posted on social media: “Congratulations Sir @Keir_Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.”
Conservative Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was also quick to react on Friday morning to the rise to power of Sir Keir, saying: “Congratulations to Keir Starmer on winning the UK general election. The Greek government is ready to work together to further deepen the close friendship and cooperation between our countries.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky too issued a statement marking the result of the British general election, stating Kyiv and London will continue to be “reliable allies” as the war still rages in his country.
Mr Zelensky also spared a few words for Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, saying to be “grateful” to his “good friend” the outgoing Prime Minister for the “steadfast support” granted by the British Government to Ukraine under his leadership.
Anthony Albanese, who has been leader of the Australian Labor Party since 2019 and became his country’s Prime Minister in 2022, congratulated on X his “friend” Sir Keir, adding he was looking “forward to working constructively with the incoming Labour Government”.
Donald Trump, who is challenging Joe Biden in the US presidential election in November, decided to congratulate Nigel Farage after Reform gained four seats. Taking to Truth Social, Mr Trump said: “Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success. Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country! DJT.”
Foreign media widely reacted to the general election’s results, with most publications marking the victory of Labour – or “Starmageddon”, as it was dubbed by opinionist Kathy Lette in the Sydney Morning Herald.
The website of Italian daily La Repubblica spoke of a “Labourist triumph” and a “collapse of the Tories“, while also noting Reform UK’s success was a “surprise”.
Spain’s El Pais as well as Italy’s news agency ANSA also spoke of a “historic triumph” for Labour, while Germany’s Der Spiegel reported on a “landslide” win for Labour that showed Britain’s “dissatisfaction” with the Conservatives.
Many world media focused on the background of Sir Keir and his previous career as a lawyer. The Washington Post said the Labour leader is to bring “working-class roots, a forensic legal style and a ruthless approach to politics”, but added he was “no Winston Churchill” and that the UK is facing several issues that must be addressed by the new government.
The New York Times hit out at the former human rights lawyer, claiming he “lacks the star power of some of his predecessors”. However, the US news outlet cited an analyst saying Sir Keir looks “relatively prime-ministerial”.
As Repubblica did, the New York Times also discussed the rise of Reform UK, branded “Britain’s best-known political disruptor”.
The defeat of the Tories was analysed by many publications, including France’s Le Monde, which claimed an “atmosphere of constant fratricidal fights” and scandals damaged the Conservative Party.