Jeremy Corbyn on Trump election victory: ‘We will never abandon hope in a more equal, sustainable and peaceful world’
Left Foot Forward
He also said "The election of Donald Trump is a dark day for reproductive healthcare, the rights of refugees and the future of our planet."
Donald Trump’s election victory in the USA has been sparking reaction from political figures in the UK. Among those to release a statement is the former Labour leader (now an independent MP) Jeremy Corbyn.
Corbyn tweeted: “The election of Donald Trump is a dark day for reproductive healthcare, the rights of refugees and the future of our planet.
“As we speak, people are being slaughtered in Gaza and Lebanon. Our demands on our governments have not changed: stop enabling genocide and end all arms sales to Israel.
“We are a global movement, made up of all faiths and backgrounds, united in our opposition to racism and hatred. We will never abandon hope in a more equal, sustainable and peaceful world.”
Image credit: Jason – Creative Commons
‘A climate change denier, a proud racist and misogynist’ – Green Party slams Trump following his election victory
Carla Denyer also branded Trump a 'fascist'
The Green Party of England and Wales co-leader Carla Denyer has branded Donald Trump ‘a climate change denier, a proud racist and misogynist’. Her comments came following Trump’s election as the next president of the USA.
Denyer said: “A dangerous bigot, bully, and liar is once again set to become the leader of the most powerful country in the world. A climate change denier, a proud racist and misogynist, and a man who has sought to subvert elections and incite insurrection.”
She went on to say that the Green Party stands in solidarity with Americans who are worried about the forthcoming presidency. She said: “On this dark day, we stand in solidarity with all US citizens who fear a convicted criminal and a fascist in the White House. And we stand with all those around the world who dreaded this moment and must now live with its consequences, including those in Gaza and Ukraine.
“Together, those of us who believe in democracy must work together to overcome authoritarianism and the politics of hate.”
‘A dark, dark day’: Ed Davey responds to Trump’s election victory
Chris Jarvis Today
The Liberal Democrat leader branded Trump a 'demagogue'
The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has responded to Donald Trump’s apparent victory in the US presidential election. Striking a very different tone to the prime minister Keir Starmer, Davey said the results of the election mean it is a ‘dark, dark day’.
In a series of tweets, Davey said: “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.
“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.
“Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”
Anti-racism protest planned at US embassy in response to Trump’s election victory
Chris Jarvis Today
Stand Up To Racism has organised a 'No to Trump' demonstration
Protesters are set to descend on the US embassy at 6pm this evening (6 Nov) in response to Donald Trump’s election as president of the USA. Organised by Stand Up To Racism, the demonstration will be branded ‘No to Trump’.
Speaking on the decision to call the demonstration, Stand Up To Racism’s co-convener Weyman Bennett said: “Trump is a racist who gives every fascist and far-right activist a boost. His last presidency saw millions march against him. We are coming out to oppose him – and his racism, sexism, bigotry and Islamophobia again.”
The London demonstration will be supported by other groups, including the Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and the Abortion Rights Campaign.
Similar demonstrations are also set to take place this evening in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Stand Up To Racism has said that another London demonstration will take place on November 9.
Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward
Image credit: Alisdare Hickson – Creative Commons
Reactions from across the Labour Party as Trump secures his return to the White House
As Donald Trump celebrates his return to the Oval Office, Labour figures have warned that the party must deliver on the economy to stem the rise of right wing populism in Britain.
Keir Starmer was quick to congratulate the former president on his victory over Kamala Harris, saying: “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.”
Trump defeated Vice President Harris after winning in several key battleground states such as North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. He had campaigned hard on issues including inflation and immigration, while the Democrats sought to highlight abortion rights and threats to democracy.
Other figures in the Labour Party have warned the UK is not immune to the rise of right wing populism – and that the government must deliver tangible for the electorate to avoid this trap.
Countering right wing populism
Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, who was Labour’s candidate in Clacton against Nigel Farage, posted on social media: “It would be an oversight and politically ignorant to suggest or imply that the UK is immune from a Trump style politics. With Farage in the Commons, we’ve got our work cut out to quell the populist right here at home. A Labour government can never be complacent.”
Labour’s candidate in Islington North Praful Nargund also posted: “Lesson for the UK this morning from across the pond. A growing economy isn’t enough, if it’s not felt in people’s lives. Inflation is a big part of the story in the US election.”
These sentiments were echoed by former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell – who does not currently have the Labour whip. He posted: “The key lesson of the Trump victory for us is that Labour has to deliver the significant improvement in quality of life that people can feel or we face the rise of right wing populism that has swept America. Half measures won’t be enough.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden had initially launched a re-election campaign, but withdrew after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June.
Caerphilly MP Chris Evans argued Biden should have exited the race sooner. He posted: “So looks like Trump is back. The Democrats only have themselves to blame – Biden should have stood down before the primary season. Giving Harris only 100 days to campaign was not enough.”
‘Inequality is rocket fuel for populists’
Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne said that the big lesson for Labour after Trump’s return to the White House is a simple one: “We have to have a project that closes the yawning gulf in inequality that divides our nation – not just inequality of income, but inequality of wealth.”
“Inequality is rocket fuel for populists,” he said.
Middlesborough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald said that the result was a “heavy defeat for progressive politics”.
He said that the world is watching to see how Trump impacts the rules based system and observes international humanitarian law that the UK and US were pivotal in creating.
“This will be a monumental challenge of statecraft for all of America’s friends and allies,” McDonald said.
A return to Trumpism
Trump’s victory and return to the White House have opened many questions about the future of transatlantic relations and European security – with the former president having promised to implement major tariff hikes if re-elected.
Many women in America also fear what it will mean for abortion rights as Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump were instrumental in the overturning of Roe vs. Wade – since which many states have implemented tight restrictions.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy posted: “Stop blaming women wanting rights, as if the men who vote for a man who denies them aren’t accountable. Recognise globally we must rebuild the case for a politics that unlocks talent not hatred. Prioritise our relationship with Europe as our best defence of all our freedoms.”
Neal Lawson, director of cross-party campaign group Compass, said: “Trump’s victory in the US could be the final wake up call for progressives across the world, but especially in the UK.
“The USA has seen a big economic bounce back since Covid and yet Trump still won. Here, the OBR projects near zero increases in living standards and growth. These are the conditions in which the far right thrive.
“Harris seemed devoid of an economic plan, a vision for the future or have anything to say about the state of American democracy. Labour must look and learn and provide answers that provide real economic security and democratic hope. Worse than Kemi Badenoch is waiting in the wings.”
‘London is, and will always be, for everyone’
Without directly addressing Trump’s election, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan reminded Londoners that their city “is, and always will be, for everyone”.
He said: “We will always be pro-women, pro-diversity, pro-climate and pro human rights. These are some of the values that will continue to bind us together as Londoners.”
Brent East MP Dawn Butler echoed his words and said: “We have to be vigilant to ensure that hard-won rights are not eroded.”
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