Albanese Makes Contact with Newly Elected UK Leader Following Landslide Victory
Anthony Albanese hopes to enhance Australia’s ties with the UK as he extends his congratulations to incoming Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on his overwhelming election victory.
The UK’s Labour Party has returned to power after 14 years in opposition and is poised to secure over 400 seats in the 650-seat parliament as the vote count continues.
Using social media, Mr. Albanese conveyed his well wishes to his new UK counterpart.
“Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his resounding election victory,” he posted on social media platform X on July 5.
Earlier on July 5, Mr. Albanese informed reporters of his intention to strengthen Australia’s relationship with the UK, mentioning that he had engaged in discussions with Sir Keir.
“Sir Keir Starmer and I have discussed the potential for his visit to this region as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which I anticipate will happen in the coming months,” he stated.
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“In Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner, along with many others in the British Labour Party that I am acquainted with, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them,” he expressed.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also sent her regards to British Labour.
“We are excited to collaborate with the incoming government in shaping a better world,” she remarked.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated the new British leader.
“The opposition will work alongside the Australian government in a bipartisan manner to continue nurturing Australia’s unique, vibrant, and substantial relationship with Britain,” he stated.
“Our bilateral ties are a robust partnership that remains unblemished by time, unaffected by distance, and unmarred by changes in government,” he added.
Mr. Dutton emphasized the importance of bolstering the relationship between the two nations, particularly regarding the AUKUS agreement on nuclear submarines.
Opposition Foreign Spokesman Simon Birmingham expressed anticipation for the growth of the “familial” connection between the UK and Australia.
“The outgoing UK government collaborated closely with our former coalition government to establish the AUKUS partnership and the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement,” he mentioned.
