Keir Starmer: UK will continue to work with ‘closest of allies’ as Donald Trump wins US presidential election

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to continue working with the UK’s “closest of allies” as Donald Trump is set to become the next president.

Trump hailed his campaign as the “greatest political movement of all time” as he addressed supporters just before 8am UK-time on Wednesday morning.

He also pledged to “help our country heal” and “fix our borders”.

Three of the crucial swing states – North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania – have officially projected a Trump victory, while the Republican candidate also leads in the other four swing states (though votes are still being counted).

The Republican Party has also taken back the Senate, and are expected to retain control of the House of Representatives – giving them complete legislative control.

Starmer congratulated Trump, saying he looks forward to working with him in the year ahead. He said: “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to should 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’s victory will have significant consequences around the world – not least for the economy and trade, in Ukraine, and for climate change mitigation efforts.

Making his victory speech, Trump said: “Every citizen, I will fight for you, for your family, and your future, every single day I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and you deserve.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”

First Minister John Swinney has also offered his congratulations to the president-elect. He added: “Scotland and the USA share many social, cultural and economic links. In that relationship, we will stand fast in support of our values of fairness, democracy and equality – ideals that America was built upon.”

Swinney last week endorsed Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, in a move that was slammed by Trump’s company.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater described it as a “dark day”, while Scottish Lib Dem leader said the result was “devastating”.