Labour’s victory in UK election: reactions

LONDON (AFP): Keir Starmer will Friday become Britain’s new prime minister, after his centre-left opposition Labour party swept to a landslide general election victory.

Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat in the poll, which brings an end to 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule.

Here are some reactions to the election result.

– European Union –

European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Keir Starmer on a “historic election victory” and said he looked forward to working with London under a Labour government.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas — the EU’s next foreign policy chief — echoed the congratulations and stressed “the UK’s commitment to our common security”.

– Ukraine –

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party’s “convincing” election win in Britain, and said the two countries would “continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin”.

– France –

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the incoming prime minister and said his country would seek to cooperate with Britain on key areas including security, technology and climate.

– Ireland –

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris passed on his congratulations for a “comprehensive victory in the UK election”, writing on X: “I look forward to working with you as close neighbours and friends.”

– Israel –

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog sent his “warmest congratulations” to Starmer, saying he looked forward to “working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom.”

– Australia –

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated his “friend” Keir Starmer on his “resounding election victory”, and said he was looking forward to “working constructively” with the incoming government.

– Greece –

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Athens was “ready to work together to further deepen the close friendship and cooperation between our countries”.

– Norway –

Norweigan Prime minister Jonas Gahr Store said on X he was “forward to continuing our close cooperation between UK and Norway, including on the energy transition, our common security and trade”.

– Sweden –

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on X that the “Swedish and British strategic partnership is stronger than ever”.

– Finland –

Prime minister of Finland Petteri Orpo sent “heartfelt congratulations” to Keir Starmer, adding that the UK is “amongst Finland’s most important security and economic partners.”

 India’s Modi congratulates Starmer on UK election win

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Keir Starmer on Friday for his “remarkable victory” in Britain’s general election, while praising his outgoing counterpart Rishi Sunak for deepening bilateral ties.

“Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory,” Modi wrote on the social media platform X.

“Thank you @RishiSunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office,” he added. “Best wishes to you and your family for the future.”

Sunak became the first British prime minister of South Asian descent in 2022 — a milestone year for India’s relationship with its former colonial ruler.

That August marked the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from Britain, weeks before the South Asian country overtook Britain to become the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Modi said he looked forward to “positive and constructive collaboration” with Starmer to foster “mutual growth and prosperity”.