The Labour Party has shown a split reaction to Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House, highlighted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s refusal to extend congratulations following Trump’s election victory.
acknowledged Trump’s win as a “historic election victory,” Khan offered a starkly different view.
The London mayor expressed concern, stating that the outcome signals that “progress is not inevitable.”
Trump declared victory during a rally in Florida after securing wins in three critical battleground states shortly after polls closed.
In response, the prime minister released a statement emphasising the enduring nature of the UK-US partnership: “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.”
Khan, who had numerous public clashes with Trump during his previous White House term, voiced concerns about the implications of his return.
“Many [Londoners] will be anxious about the outcome, fearful of what it means for democracy, women’s rights, the situation in the Middle East, or the fate of Ukraine,” Khan said.
He emphasised the importance of reasserting progressive values in light of Trump’s win, advocating for a world where “racism and hatred are rejected,” women’s rights are protected, and climate change is combated with urgency.
The longstanding tension between Khan and Trump began when the London mayor criticized Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban, labeling it as “ignorant.”
Meanwhile, former Labour frontbencher Emily Thornberry stood by her previous description of Trump as a “racist, sexist predator.” Speaking on BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, Thornberry said, “Well, he is, but he’s also president of the US.”
The prime minister and his team have spent months preparing for the potential complexities of a Trump victory, aware that significant ideological contrasts could challenge future UK-US relations.
Sir Keir Starmer, for his part, is likely to focus on mending ties with Trump, particularly following a legal complaint filed by Trump’s campaign regarding Labour activists’ support for Kamala Harris during the US election.
