Jeremy Corbyn responds to Donald Trump win: 'An unmistakable rejection of a political establishment'

'Many in Britain and elsewhere will be understandably shocked by Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, the rhetoric around it and what the election result means for the rest of the world, as well as America'

Jeremy Corbyn has said Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States is an “unmistakable rejection” of the political establishment and an economic system that has delivered escalating inequality.

His comments come after Theresa May, the Prime Minister, congratulated the President-elect and said Britain and America will remain “strong and close partners”. Unlike her predecessor – who had branded Mr Trump’s previous comments “stupid, divisive and wrong” – Ms May has avoided directly criticising the Republican over his previous incendiary remarks.

In a statement the Labour leader said: “Many in Britain and elsewhere will be understandably shocked by Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, the rhetoric around it and what the election result means for the rest of the world, as well as America.

“Trump’s election is an unmistakable rejection of a political establishment and an economic system that simply isn’t working for most people. It is one that has delivered escalating inequality and stagnating or falling living standards for the majority, both in the US and Britain.

“This is a rejection of a failed economic consensus and a governing elite that has been seen not to have listened. And the public anger that has propelled Donald Trump to office has been reflected in political upheavals across the world.

“But some of Trump’s answers to the big questions facing America, and the divisive rhetoric around them, are clearly wrong.

“I have no doubt, however, that the decency and common sense of the American people will prevail, and we send our solidarity to a nation of migrants, innovators and democrats.

“After this latest global wake up call, the need for a real alternative to a failed economic and political system could not be clearer.

“That alternative must be based on working together, social justice and economic renewal, rather than sowing fear and division. And the solutions we offer have to improve the lives of everyone, not pit one group of people against another.

“Americans have made their choice. The urgent necessity is now for us all to work across continents to tackle our common global challenges: to secure peace, take action on climate change and deliver economic prosperity and justice.”

The Green party’s co-leader and sole MP, Caroline Lucas, however described the election of Mr Trump as a “devastating day”. Ms Lucas added: “For women. For people of colour. For a tolerant society. But we must not mourn, we must organise like never before.”

For Tim Farron, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, the election of Mr Trump meant the liberal values of moderation, freedom, respect for the rule of law, openness and concern for one another “can no longer be taken for granted”.

He added: “In the United States last night, those values were defeated”.

Richard Burgon, the shadow justice minister, said: “Deeply worrying that Trump – given what he has said and given what he has done – elected as leader of most powerful country on earth.”

Labour’s shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth, added: “Across the world the left push out and losing ground. We can’t ignore difficult questions of how to build fairer, progressive future and economic justice.”

Mr Corbyn has previously struck a more conciliatory tone with the President-elect and in January, rather than backing a petition to ban Mr Trump from Britain, he invited him on a tour of a North London mosque. It came after incendiary comments from the billionaire businessman who had, at the time, called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States”.

Mr Corbyn said in January: “I decided to invite Donald Trump on his visit to Britain to come with me to my constituency because he has problems with Mexicans and he has problems with Muslims,”

“As you know, my wife is Mexican and my constituency is very, very multicultural, so what I was going to do was go down to the mosque with him and let him talk to people there.”