Last week, the Democratic ticket consisting of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the U.S. Presidential Election. The full results are yet to come in, but Biden’s clear wins in several states have pushed him above the threshold needed to win the Presidency. The election is a reminder of how important simply turning up to vote is, and why it is incredibly important to remain politically engaged when you live in a safe seat or a safe state.

Luke had this to say on their victory:

“I want to congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election win. Their campaign of hope after four years of division was truly inspiring. America, like Britain, is a divided nation and the approach of the Democrats to bring people together, to represent everyone and to stand up for values and decency is the right road ahead.

 

Plymouth has just remembered its own connection with the USA in marking the 400^th anniversary since the Mayflower left Plymouth to sail to the USA. Our roots with America are deep and our connection is strong. On behalf of the people in Plymouth I want to pass our best wishes onto the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.

 

Populism and division has been successful on both sides of the Atlantic and I hope Joe Biden’s victory is a sign that things are changing.”

Keir Starmer had this to say:

“Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States of America. He ran a campaign on the values that we in the United Kingdom share – decency, integrity, compassion and strength. And I want to congratulate Kamala Harris on being elected Vice-President, the first woman of colour to take that role.

 

“Their victory is one for hope and unity over dishonesty and division. Millions of Americans of all backgrounds and ages have come together to vote for a better, more optimistic future. This is also an important moment for the world. It is a chance to reassert America’s place as a force for good on the world stage. A nation that will work with Britain and other allies to defeat this pandemic and fight climate change.

 

“Joe Biden and the Democrats have always shared Labour’s values and the links between our two parties remain strong. I am looking forward to building on this and forging an even stronger relationship between the UK and the USA.”