Samia hails PM Starmer in UK elections

TANZANIA: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Mr Keir Starmer for his victory as a Prime Minister in the United Kingdom’s (UK) general election through the Labour Party.

“On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on the UK Labour Party electoral victory and on becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” President Samia yesterday wrote on her X account.

Furthermore, she said Tanzania will keep on cooperating and partnering with UK in addressing global challenges and fostering economic development for the people of the two countries.

Mr Starmer under the Labour Party became the Premier after winning the 326 seats required for the majority in the House of Commons.

Overall, the Labour Party attracted 412 seats ending 14 years of conservative rule that included eight governments and five prime ministers.

Also read: Analysts commend Samia on business environment

He replaced his main contender Mr Irish Sunak of the Conservative Party, who attracted only 121 seats.

He becomes the UK 64th Prime Minister. Mr Starmer’s victory caps a remarkable political rise for the former Human Rights Lawyer and Chief Prosecutor, who was first elected a Member of Parliament in 2015.

As other world leaders applaud Mr Starmer, the US President Joe Biden called to congratulate him for landslide victory, saying: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

On his X account he added: “I look forward to our shared work in support of freedom and democracy around the world, and to further strengthening the special relationship between our two countries.”

The list included French President Emmanuel Macron posting on his X: “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.” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva writing on his X: “I’d like to salute Keir Starmer, the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the Labour Party. I wish you a great term.

Count on Brazil to strengthen the diplomatic ties between our countries, sustainable development and democracy.” Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris: “Keir Starmer has brought the Labour Party a comprehensive victory.

… The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands,” Harris said in a statement.

“I look forward to early engagement with the incoming Prime Minister.” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg: “He’s a strong supporter of NATO, of the transatlantic alliance.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in his X account: “I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters: “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.”

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in a statement issued by his presidential office said: “I look to continued cooperation between the UK and Egypt, especially to achieve development and stability at the international and regional levels.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his X account: “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory.

I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration … fostering mutual growth and prosperity.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store through the NTB news agency said: “Voters have given the British Labour Party a historically strong mandate to change its course, give people in Great Britain more money in their pockets and strengthen state schools and the National Health Service. I wish Starmer the very best and good luck with a very important job.”