What have world leaders said about Rishi Sunak? Messages from Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, and Roberta Metsola
How world leaders have reacted to Rishi Sunak as UK’s next prime minister
Rishi Sunak is the UK's next prime minister - making him the third in less than two months - has prompted a surprising number of reactions around the world.
The news raised cheers in New Delhi, as Sunak makes history by becoming the first British Asian prime minister in UK's history, and calls for stability from European leaders.
World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, India's prime minister Narendra Modi, and the president of the European parliament, Roberta Metsola have all reacted to the news.
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1. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated the Sunak on winning the Tory race to be prime minster, but urged him to call an early general election. She tweeted: “ Congratulations to @RishiSunak - I wish him well and, notwithstanding our political differences, will do my best to build a constructive working relationship with him in the interests of those we serve. “That he becomes the first British Asian to become PM is a genuinely significant moment. It certainly makes this a special “As for the politics, I’d suggest one immediate decision he should take and one he certainly should not. He should call an early General Election. And he should not - must not - unleash another round of austerity. Our public services will not withstand that. “For Scotland, of course, he becomes another PM we did not and, without doubt would not vote for even if given the chance. To escape the damage of Westminster governments with no mandate here, and take our future into our own hands, Scotland needs independence”
2. Ireland’s prime minister Micheal Martin
Irish Premier Micheal Martin offered his congratulations to Sunak for becoming the UK’s next prime minister. The Taoiseach tweeted: “Congratulations @RishiSunak on becoming leader of the Conservative Party. “I look forward to working with you, as British PM, on the important issues we face on these islands, and globally.” Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert
3. US president Joe Biden
US president Joe Biden made remarks during a Diwali celebration at the White House. He said: “We’ve got news that Rishi Sunak is now the prime minister “He’s expected to become the prime minister I think tomorrow when he goes to see the King. It’s pretty astounding, a groundbreaking milestone and it matters,
4. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Indian media were impressed by Sunak’s victory, with New Delhi Television announcing “Indian son rises over the empire”. Prime minister Modi tweeted: ““As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.”