Keir Starmer says he respects Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of the US presidential election, describing the 81-year-old’s political career as “remarkable”.
The UK prime minister said: “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”
Starmer was among a number of British politicians who responded to Biden’s announcement on Sunday evening, which came after weeks of pressure to quit due to concerns about his mental acuity and ability to beat Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Rishi Sunak praised Biden’s “love for America and dedication to service”.
Writing on X, Sunak, who served as prime minister until the UK general election earlier this month, said: “Working with Joe Biden, I saw first-hand his love for America and dedication to service.
“Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including [military pact] Aukus, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats. I wish him all the best.”
Working with @JoeBiden, I saw firsthand his love for America and dedication to service.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 21, 2024
Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including AUKUS, steadfast support for Israel and joint efforts in defending our people from Houthi threats.
I wish him all the best.
Boris Johnson, who was prime minister when Biden won the 2020 US election, paid tribute to the president’s “bravery”.
He wrote on X: “I salute Joe Biden for the bravery of his decision and also for all he has done as president.
“He has been a staunch Atlanticist and friend to Britain throughout his career and it was a privilege to work with him.”
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney commended Biden for his “selfless” decision.
In a post on X, he wrote that Biden had “served the people of the USA with devotion and total commitment”.
“Now, in a typically selfless act, he steps aside to do what he thinks is right for his people.
“He came to Scotland for Cop26 and made a powerful contribution. He has our best wishes for the future.”
Green party co-leader Carla Denyer said Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race was “a true sign of leadership”.
She said: “We wish President Biden well and thank him for his many years of public service.
“This cannot have been an easy decision for him. But to take a decision that is personally difficult, but that is in the public interest, is a true sign of leadership.”
She added: “The foundations of our democracy are under threat and this presidential election is a pivotal moment. All elected representatives must be able to undertake their democratic duties without facing the threats of violence.
“Equally, showing respect for democratic results is perhaps the most fundamental cornerstone of our democratic foundations. All leaders must now not just abide by our democratic principles but cherish and protect them at every turn.
“It is abundantly clear that President Trump has no interest in this grave responsibility. My hope is that the Democratic party can find a suitable candidate that can take on this responsibility.
“It’s not hyperbole to say that the future of democracy relies on it.”
Former foreign secretary James Cleverly thanked Biden for being “a great friend to the UK”.
In a post on X, he said: “It was a pleasure meeting President Biden as foreign secretary on his visits to the UK, especially at the signing of the book of condolence for Her Late Majesty.
“Thank you for being a great friend to the UK as our two governments defended freedom and democracy around the world.”
