Keir Starmer has vowed to “deepen” the relationship between the United Kingdom and Canada after it was confirmed that Mark Carney will be the country’s next prime minister.
The former governor of the Bank of England beat three rivals in the Liberal Party’s leadership contest in a landslide victory.
Carney is expected to be sworn in as PM in the coming days and will lead the Liberals into the next general election, which is expected to be called in the coming weeks.
In his victory speech, Carney attacked US president Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canada and said he wants to make the country the 51st US state.
“Americans should make no mistake”, he said. “In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”
The UK prime minister has now responded to Carney’s victory, pledging to work with the incoming Canadian PM on “deepening the UK-Canada relationship together.”
Starmer also wished outgoing Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau well “in his future endeavours.”
The UK PM said in a statement posted to X: “Congratulations to Mark Carney on his appointment as Canada’s new prime minister.
“I look forward to working closely with him on shared international priorities, including in the G7, and to further deepening the UK-Canada relationship together.
“My best wishes to Justin Trudeau as he steps down from the role. I wish him well in his future endeavours.”
The comments come as Starmer is urged to visit Canada this week to “stand together” with the Commonwealth nation against Trump’s threats.
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.
Show solidarity with new Canadian PM amid Trump ‘bullying’, Starmer urged
The post Starmer vows to ‘deepen’ UK-Canada ties alongside new PM Mark Carney appeared first on Politics.co.uk.