Boris Johnson hails Joe Biden inauguration with pledge to work ‘hand in hand’

Prime minister declares intention to work ‘hand in hand’ with 46th president of the United States

Boris Johnson has said he is looking forward to working closely with Joe Biden as America's president-elect prepares to take office.

Mr Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday amid unprecedented security after outgoing president Donald Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol earlier this month.

Mr Johnson declared his intention to work "hand in hand" with the new incumbent of the White House on promoting their shared goals.

The prime minister, however, is viewed with suspicion by some influential Democrats who regard him as a "Trump clone" — an image he is anxious to shake off.

In a statement ahead of Mr Biden’s inauguration, he pointed to the continuing common interests the UK and the US share on defence, security and "defending democracy".

He also highlighted Britain's upcoming role in chairing the G7 summit in Cornwall and the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow - both priorities for the new administration.

Mr Johnson said: "I warmly congratulate Joe Biden on his historic inauguration as 46th president of the United States and look forward to working closely with his new administration as we defeat Covid and build back better from the pandemic

"In our fight against Covid and across climate change, defence, security and in promoting and defending democracy, our goals are the same and our nations will work hand in hand to achieve them.

"Only through international cooperation can we truly overcome the shared challenges which we face."

Additional reporting by PA