Labour's Keir Starmer wins British election with a large majority
The British Labour Party has won the parliamentary elections with an overwhelming majority over Rishi Sunak's Conservatives, who suffered the biggest defeat in their history after 14 years in power.
The Labour Party would have won 410 seats, the Conservatives 117 and the centrist Liberal Democrats 70, their best result so far, according to initial results reported by Reuters, as counting has not yet been completed. The populist Nigel Farage has also managed to enter parliament after eight attempts with 13 MPs.
"The change begins now," said Labour's Keir Starmer, who will become the UK's next Prime Minister. For Starmer, this victory marks the beginning of a new "chapter" in the country. "We begin the work of change, we begin the mission of national renewal and we begin to rebuild our country," he said.
We said we will stop the chaos. And we will.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 5, 2024
We said we will turn the page. And we have.
The work of change begins today. pic.twitter.com/nROZuPdxNj
Sunak, meanwhile, acknowledged defeat and apologised to the public, saying there was "much to learn and reflect on". "I take responsibility for the departure of many conservative candidates who worked hard," he added. Around 250 Conservative MPs lost their seats in the crushing defeat, including a record number of senior ministers such as former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The Conservatives lose power after several years marked by austerity policies, political instability and scandals, such as the one involving ex-premier Boris Jonhson's Downing Street parties in the midst of confinement due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jonhson's forced departure at the end of 2022 was followed by Truss's chaotic six-week tenure, cementing the Conservatives' decline. Finally, Sunak, in a move that surprised Parliament and many in his own party, decided to call an early election despite the polls against him.
To the hundreds of Conservative candidates, thousands of volunteers and millions of voters:
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 4, 2024
Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your support, and thank you for your vote. pic.twitter.com/GcgvI7bImI
Starmer and his party now face a number of challenges related to falling living standards and deteriorating public services, especially the National Health Service.
In addition, the national tax burden is about to reach its highest level since after the Second World War, while net debt is almost equal to annual economic output.
"I don't promise you it will be easy," Starmer stressed. "Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. It is hard work, you have to be patient, you have to be determined, you have to work, and we have to start acting immediately," added the future British leader. For the moment, Starmer has already promised not to raise taxes on "working people".
On migration, a key issue during the election campaign, Starmer has promised to eliminate the controversial Conservative policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, while on foreign policy he has spoken of improving relations with the European Union in order to resolve the problems that have arisen following London's exit from the bloc. However, despite opposing Brexit, rejoining the EU is not a possibility.
Congratulations @Keir_Starmer on your electoral victory.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 5, 2024
I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.
The UK became one of Ukraine's main allies during the war, providing extensive military aid to deal with the Russian invasion. In this regard, despite promising change, Starmer has announced that his nation will continue to strongly support Ukraine militarily, financially, diplomatically and politically.
On the other major current war, the conflict in Gaza, Starmer stressed that peace and security across the Middle East would be an immediate priority on his agenda. The future Labour government will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages.
It will also demand respect for international law and increased humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. Labour has also pledged to recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a peace process leading to a two-state solution.
According to Reuters, on many international policy issues Starmer's policies will be similar to those of Sunak. For example, Labour has already reiterated its commitment to NATO, while it will strengthen ties with other international organisations such as the United Nations, the G7 and the G20.
