British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Donald Trump on his “historic election victory,” affirming the importance of the UK-US “special relationship” and vowing continued cooperation between the two allies. Starmer emphasized that the two countries stand “shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy, and enterprise” and anticipates a prosperous future for UK-US relations.

Addressing Parliament for the first time since Trump’s victory, Starmer faced Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in a lively Prime Minister’s Questions session. Badenoch seized the moment to question Starmer over past comments by Labour figures regarding Trump, including David Lammy’s 2018 description of Trump as a “woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath.” She pressed Starmer to clarify whether Foreign Secretary Lammy had apologized to Trump during a recent visit to New York, and if not, urged the Prime Minister to do so on Lammy’s behalf.

Badenoch also called on Starmer to extend an invitation for Trump to address Parliament during his next UK visit, urging Starmer to demonstrate that his administration can move beyond “student politics.”

Starmer responded sharply, countering, “I think the leader of the opposition is giving a masterclass on student politics,” prompting cheers from Labour MPs. Despite the heated exchange, Starmer expressed his desire to “work closely” with Trump on key issues, emphasizing shared goals in “growth, security, innovation, and tech.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had clashed with Trump in the past, acknowledged the concerns of Londoners over Trump’s return to power, especially regarding issues like democracy, women’s rights, the Middle East, Ukraine, NATO, and climate change. Khan urged Londoners to “recommit to progressive values,” promoting a vision that champions women’s rights, diversity, and climate action.

Lammy, also congratulating Trump, took to X to reaffirm the “cherished” UK-US relationship. “The UK has no greater friend than the US,” he said, looking forward to continued cooperation with Trump and his team, including Ohio Senator JD Vance.

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage celebrated Trump’s return, describing him as a “genuine radical” who has built a “remarkable coalition” of allies, including tech mogul Elon Musk and a member of the Kennedy family. Farage predicted Musk would lead a “fightback” against the “bureaucratic state,” calling it “undemocratic” and overly powerful.

As Trump’s comeback sends ripples through UK politics, Starmer’s government faces the challenge of balancing progressive values at home with a commitment to the US-UK partnership.