Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has labelled Donald Trump’s victory in America as a “dark day” for the world.
Reacting to news of Trump’s win in the US presidential race over Kamala Harris, Sir Ed spoke of his worry that the world’s largest economy would be led by a “dangerous, destructive demagogue.”
It was a marked contrast from the messages of congratulations sent to Trump by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and new Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, both of whom paid tribute to the UK’s “special relationship” with the US.
“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,” Sir Ed said.
“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.”
The Lib Dem leader raised Trump’s victory in the Commons on Wednesday during Prime Minister’s Questions, asking what the Government intended to do to make sure the US stood by its previous support of Ukraine and did not institute a damaging trade war with tariffs.
Trump has previously pledged to impose across-the-board tariffs of 10 to 20 per cent and to slap a 60 per cent levy on all goods coming from China.
Think tank the National Institute of Economic and Social Research has warned this could severely hit the UK’s growth due to the damage in international trade.
Trump and leading Republicans have also been sceptical of military support for Ukraine as it resists Russia’s invasion, leading to fears that the country could have to fight without US backing.
Responding to the questions, Sir Keir said: "Our relationship with the US is a strong relationship forged in very difficult circumstances historically.
"It remains as strong today as it was when it was first forged and I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to ensure that relationship stays a special relationship.
On a potential 'trade war', he added: "We put the economy centrepiece to our Budget and we will do everything that we need to do to ensure our economy growths and that is measured in living standards going up for working people across the country."
Trump’s victory on Wednesday, in spite of polling suggesting a neck-and-neck race with the Democrats, marks an extraordinary comeback in a political career which has been marred in controversy, criminal charges, accusations of racism and sexism, and the US Capitol riots on January 6 2021.
