The Party of European Socialists (PES) today congratulated the UK Labour Party and its leader and prime-minister-elect Keir Starmer on their electoral landslide, putting an end to 14 years of mismanagement and social regression under the Conservative Party.
According to the latest results The Labour Party won 411 seats, an increase of 210, demonstrating wide support for their message of change, integrity and progress. The Labour government will now get to work tackling the challenges facing the United Kingdom, including an underfunded health service, crumbling public infrastructure and widespread geographic and social inequalities.
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), a PES member party that contests elections in Northern Ireland, also performed well on a platform of optimism for the future of a united, just, and prosperous Ireland.
PES President Stefan Löfven, said:
“I warmly congratulate Keir Starmer and the entire Labour Party on this resounding victory. After years of inward-looking Conservative governments, I am delighted that the United Kingdom will make a return to the international stage with a committed social-democrat as prime minister.
“Relations between the UK, EU and its member states have been damaged by the most reactionary fringes of the Conservative Party. We look forward to working with Keir to strengthen the global progressive front for social justice, climate action and the defence of the rules-based multilateral order.
“I would also like to congratulate Colum Eastwood and the SDLP for their strong showing. They will represent a strong progressive voice in the UK Parliament, for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said:
“This incredible result is testament to the competent and resilient leadership of Keir Starmer, but also the work of Angela Rayner as Deputy Leader and David Evans as General Secretary.
“The election of Nigel Farage as an MP (The hard-right ReformUK took 4 seats), and the likely turn of the Conservative Party further to the right, are an unfortunate reminder that none of our countries are safe from right-wing populism and xenophobia. Progressives everywhere must remain vigilant and proactive in combatting hate speech.”
The UK general election took place on 4 July 2024, following the dissolution of Parliament on 30 May.
