How will the UK’s relationship with the US be affected if a convicted felon was to become President? British political leaders have responded to the verdict.
British Leaders React to Trump Case
Following former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction, leaders of British political Parties have issued their responses.
Making American History
Donald Trump became the first former President in American history to be convicted of a criminal offence after a long-winded hush money trial came to an end.
Pleading Not Guilty
Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts alleging the former President of offering hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump Protests Innocence
Trump was later found guilty on all charges, although wasted no time protesting his innocence to the media.
Trump Slams “Rigged” Trial
Trump called the trial a “disgrace”, claiming the whole thing was politically “rigged” and that he was a “very innocent man.”
Trump to Focus on US Presidential Election
Now, the former President can focus on his Presidential election campaign against current US President Joe Biden, but will this verdict affect the outcome?
Johnson’s Political Warning
Many British political figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have insisted that the trial’s conclusion has only made Trump more likely to win the election.
British Reactions Met With Watchful Eye
With a general election to be held on July 4th in the UK, reactions from political leaders across the pond from the Trump case have been closely watched.
Prime Minister Stays Quiet
Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has kept his thoughts on the outcome of the Trump trial private.
Sunak Maintains Focus on Election
When asked about his opinion on the outcome of the case, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed he would not comment on the matter as it wasn’t his “focus.”
Sunak Refuses to Comment
“You wouldn’t expect me to comment on another country’s domestic politics or judicial processes,” Sunak argued.
Sunak’s Interest Remains With UK Election
Sunak insisted that he was only interested in the outcome of this country’s election, which he finally announced after mounting pressure from the opposition and members of his own Party.
Focus Remains at Home for Prime Minister
“I’m focused squarely on the election here at home, talking to people across the country about the choice at our election,” Sunak insisted.
Sunak’s Admission Despite Cagey Response
Despite keeping his cards close to his chest, Sunak did admit that he respects the US justice system’s decision.
Respecting US Justice System
“Of course I respect the justice system of the United States… I wouldn’t also comment on judicial processes while they’re ongoing in our own country, because there’s a separation between politicians and judicial systems,” Sunak said.
The Labour Party’s Response
The Labour Party, who are tipped to win the general election in some fashion, issued a slightly more open response to the case.
Labour Vows Cooperation
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer issued his response, vowing to respect the US justice system and cooperate with whoever wins the US election.
Labour “Respects Court’s Decision”
“First and foremost we respect the court’s decision in relation to the decision in the Trump case,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer admitted before giving his response.
“We Will Work With Whoever Is Elected”
“We will work with whoever is elected president… that’s what you’d expect,” Starmer said before talking about the important bond between the two countries.
Trial “An Unprecedented” Situation
According to Starmer, the US and UK have a “Special relationship” regardless of who is President, although called the trial “an unprecedented situation.”
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