Friday Jul 05 2024 | 10:40 PM
Keir Starmer congratulated by Joe Biden
By: Web Desk
US President Joe Biden has congratulated the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said The White House, reported BBC.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 10:09 PM
UK election: Pound climbs after Labour's UK election win
By: AFP
The pound advanced Friday after Britain's centre-left Labour Party clinched an expected landslide election victory to end 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule.
London's benchmark FTSE 100 index gave up early gains made following news that Keir Starmer would become Britain's new prime minister after Labour trounced Rishi Sunak's Conservatives as Wall Street opened.
Labour's widely forecast triumph has sparked investor hope of economic stability amid easing inflation, although Starmer faces tough challenges in the form of strained public finances, a stretched state health service and flagging economic growth.
"The main beneficiaries of the UK election result were UK housebuilders which gained around 3% on the day while banks and energy companies slid," said Axel Rudolph, senior market analyst at online trading platform IG.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 08:57 PM
David Lammy aims for UK foreign policy reset
By: Reuters
Labour's David Lammy becomes Britain's next foreign secretary pledging to reset relations with the European Union and push for a ceasefire in Gaza, while seeking to build ties with Donald Trump's Republican Party.
The centre-left Labour Party won a landslide victory in Thursday's parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative government and vowing to bring change to Britain.
While the six initial priorities promised in its election manifesto focussed on domestic matters, a long list of international issues awaits Lammy in his in-tray.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 08:37 PM
Spanish PM Sanchez salutes Labour's 'historic victory' in UK vote
By: AFP
Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday congratulated new British premier Keir Starmer and hailed Labour's "historic victory" in UK elections.
"Congratulations Keir Starmer, new prime minister of the United Kingdom. Congratulations, Labour, for the historic victory for labourism. Spain and the United Kingdom are friends, partners and allies," Sanchez wrote on X.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 08:09 PM
David Lammy appointed as UK's foreign minister
By: Reuters
New Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday appointed David Lammy as Britain's new foreign minister and John Healey the defence minister, while Yvette Cooper was named interior minister.
Lammy and Healey take charge at a time of two global conflicts and have pledged to maintain continued support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia and press for a ceasefire in the fighting in Gaza.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 08:07 PM
Rachel Reeves becomes UK finance minister in new Labour government
By: Reuters
New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday appointed Rachel Reeves as finance minister, or Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his new Labour government, making her the first woman to hold the role.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 07:11 PM
Pakistan's PM Sharif congratulates Labour Party's Starmer on winning UK elections
By: Web Desk
Pakistani Prime Minister took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to congratulate Labour Party's Keir Starmer for his landlside victory in UK general election.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 07:03 PM
John Swinney says UK election result 'incredibly tough' for Scottish ruling party
By: Reuters
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said that UK general election result "incredibly tough" for his Scottish National Party.
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 05:59 PM
Brussels hails new UK govt but seen sticking to Brexit deal
By: AFP
The EU on Friday congratulated Keir Starmer on Labour's election win in Britain, with Brussels foreseeing warmer ties with London — though little scope to change existing post-Brexit arrangements.
European Council President Charles Michel called Starmer's victory "historic", and stressed the EU and Britain "are crucial partners".
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen added she looked forward to working with Starmer "in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security."
Friday Jul 05 2024 | 05:14 PM
'Our work is urgent and we begin it today', states Starmer
By: Web Desk
New UK prime minister Keir Starmer has finished speaking outside Downing Street. He concluded his speech by saying his government would “defy quietly those who have written our country off.”
He said: "You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change. To restore service and respect to politics. End the era of noisy performance. Tread more lightly on your lives. And unite our country."
"Four nations standing together again. Facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world. Committed to a calm and patient rebuilding. So with respect, and humility I invite you all to join this government of service, in the mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent and we begin it today. Thank you very much," he added.
In an earlier part of the speech he said: “Brick by brick we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity. The world class schools and colleges. The affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people.”