The United States, with its vast economic power and global influence, is now set to be led by an unpredictable figure who has shown disregard for democratic norms, human rights, climate action, and international alliances. This will create deep anxiety among millions of Americans, particularly women, minorities, and other vulnerable communities, who fear what lies ahead.

Here in the UK, many families will also be deeply concerned about the potential fallout for our economy and national security. Trump's history of disrupting trade, straining NATO, and aligning himself with authoritarian leaders like Putin casts a shadow over our own stability. It’s clear that rebuilding our fractured relationship with the EU is now even more crucial. Strengthening our trade and defence partnerships across Europe is essential to safeguarding ourselves from the potential risks of this new leadership.

The re-election of President Trump should act as a stark warning to the UK’s Labour government. Whatever we think of President Trump, he has a mandate from the American people to cut taxes, pursue protectionist policies on trade and jobs, and increase the production of US oil and gas to starve the war coffers of Russia and Iran; at the same time the UK Labour government is raising taxes on business, imposing new levies on UK energy production and introducing policies making it more costly for UK firms to employ people.

There is now a real risk that large employers de-list from London stock exchange and move to the more business-friendly US. The Chancellor must review her budget proposals to ensure the UK’s tax regime remains competitive in the global market, so we can secure the revenue we need to fund public services.

I congratulate Donald Trump on winning the US Presidency for a second time which is a major achievement. I hope the UK government will work closely and constructively with our key ally as the Presidency transitions and over the years ahead.