Congratulations for Keir Starmer begin pouring in from world leaders

World leaders have begun congratulating Keir Starmer on Labour‘s victory in the general election, with Canada‘s Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron among the first leaders to welcome the new Prime Minister.

Ukraine‘s President Zelensky hailed a ‘convincing victory’ by Sir Keir and his party and wished the incoming government ‘every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.’

He said that Ukraine and the UK would continue to be ‘reliable allies through thick and thin’, with ‘common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order.’

The wartime leader went on to laud outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, describing him as a ‘good friend’ and vowing that his country would ‘never forget’ the help it had received from his government.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a triumphant response to the news of his ‘friend’ Keir Starmer’s victory, labelling it a ‘historic UK election victory’.

‘Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic,’ he wrote on X alongside a picture of them together. ‘Let’s get to it, my friend.’ 

France’s President Macron shared his congratulations to Sir Keir, adding that he was ‘pleased with our first discussion,’ in a sign that the incoming leader is already engaging in international diplomacy.

‘We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI,’ Macron added.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed both Starmer, and Angela Rayner as his deputy, taking up the reins of power, saying that they share ‘very similar views’ with his Labor government.

Writing on X, he said: ‘We have a strong relationship between our two countries, but in Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and so many others who I am very familiar with in the British Labour Party, I look forward very much to working with them.

‘They have very similar views to us on a range of issues. I’m sure we’ll work closely on AUKUS, where we worked very closely as well with the former government.’

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris said he hopes his nation’s relationship with the UK will go from ‘strength to strength’ as he congratulated Sir Keir Starmer for his election victory.

‘Congratulations (Sir Keir) on a comprehensive victory in the UK election,’ he posted to X.

‘I look forward to working with you as close neighbours and friends.

‘The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deep and consequential. I look forward to it going from strength to strength.’

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christpopher Luxon wrote on X: ‘Congratulations @Keir_Starmer on your election victory. 

‘New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together. I look forward to working on every opportunity together as prime ministers. 

He added his thanks to outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his ‘service to your nation and friendship to New Zealand.’ 

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog also thanked Sunak, expressing his gratitude ‘for his leadership and standing by the State of Israel, especially during this difficult time,’ referring to the aftermath of October 7 and Israel’s war in Gaza.

Meanwhile President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said he was ‘looking forward to working’ with Starmer in what he called a ‘new cycle for the UK’.

‘The European Union and the UK are crucial partners, co-operating in all areas of mutual interest for our citizens,’ he said.

He added that they would meet soon at a European Political Community summit being held in the UK on July 18, ‘where we will discuss common challenges, including stability, security, energy and migration.’

Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also shared her congratulations on X, telling the incoming Prime Minister: ‘I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.’ 

Sir Keir’s first opportunity to meet with world leaders as Prime Minister will come on Tuesday, when he will head to Washington for the NATO summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden.