Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Rachael Burford

Donald Trump branded 'dangerous, destructive demagogue' by Lib Dem leader Ed Davey

Donald Trump was branded a “dangerous, destructive demagogue” by the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wednesday,

Sir Ed Davey said the Republican candidate’s decisive victory in the US election was a “dark, dark day for people around the globe”.

The Kingston and Surbiton MP did not congratulate the new president elect as he made a political comeback.

Responding to the news Trump had beaten Democrat Kamala Harris in the race for the White House, Sir Ed said: “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.”

Sir Ed Davey did not congratulate the new president elect (Getty Images)

He added: “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.”

The words echoed those of Sadiq Khan who warned that many Londoners will be “anxious” about Donald Trump election and “fearful about what it will mean for democracy”.

The Mayor of London also did not congratulate the former president on his political comeback as he declared victory over Democrat Kamala Harris.

Instead, he said Londoners would be concerned about the impact the Republican win in the US will have on women’s rights, Ukraine, climate change, the situation in the Middle East and the future of NATO.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among world leaders to complement Trump on his election victory.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.