World leaders from various political and religious spheres have extended their congratulations to Keir Starmer, the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
This comes as Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister, expressed his gratitude and reflection on his tenure on Friday morning.
“I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear message, and yours is the only judgment that matters. This is a difficult day, but I leave this job honored to have been Prime Minister of the best country in the world,” Sunak stated.
In his initial address as Prime Minister, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to the promises made during his campaign. “We said we will stop the chaos. And we will. We said we will turn the page. And we have. The work of change begins today,” he wrote.
Prominent international figures took to social media to convey their congratulations and pledge support for the new Labour-led government in the UK.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Starmer. “Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his resounding election victory – I look forward to working constructively with the incoming United Kingdom Labour Government,” Albanese tweeted.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the shared goals between the two nations. “Congratulations, Keir Starmer, on a historic U.K. election victory. Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend,” Trudeau posted.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently campaigning for re-election against Le Pen, also extended his congratulations and emphasized continued bilateral cooperation. “Congratulations Sir Keir Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. 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 stated.
The Catholic Church joined in the congratulations, with Cardinal Vincent Gerard Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, offering support. “On behalf of the Catholic community of England and Wales, I congratulate Keir Starmer on his victory in yesterday’s general election. I assure him of my good wishes as he takes up his new responsibilities in forming and leading a government,” Cardinal Nichols said.
He also emphasized the long-standing partnership between the Church and the government, particularly in education. “The Catholic Church has a long record of partnership with the Government, not least in education where we run over 2000 schools in conjunction with the state. We look forward to this continuing and to working constructively in this and other areas with him, his ministers, and officials. His previous comments about wanting a government which works with churches and faith communities have been most welcome, and I want him to know that we stand ready to play our part,” he added.
