Nicola Sturgeon: First Minister congratulates Joe Biden on presidential victory

The First Minister has responded to the news that Democrat Joe Biden has won the US presidential election by congratulating him and his running mate on behalf of Scotland.
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Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “Congratulations from [Scotland] to President-Elect Joe Biden and to history-making Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris.”

She also issued a fuller statement of support.

She said: “Theirs is a historic victory that will be welcomed by progressives across the globe.

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“Women and people of colour in particular will feel inspired by the historic nature of vice-president elect Harris’ achievement.

”I welcome the commitment that was so evident in the Biden/Harris campaign to leadership and multilateral co-operation on the many challenges faced by countries across the world, from COVID-19 to climate change.”

Ms Sturgeon added: “Scotland and America share deep and long-standing bonds of friendship, and I look forward to these being renewed and strengthened in the years ahead.”

Mr Biden’s victory came after more than three days of uncertainty as election officials sorted through a surge of mail-in votes that delayed the processing of some ballots. Biden crossed 270 Electoral College votes with a win in Pennsylvania.

The First Minister has responded to the news that Democrat Joe Biden has won the US presidential election by congratulating him and his running mate on behalf of Scotland. (Photo by Andy Buchanan-WPA Pool/Getty Images)The First Minister has responded to the news that Democrat Joe Biden has won the US presidential election by congratulating him and his running mate on behalf of Scotland. (Photo by Andy Buchanan-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The First Minister has responded to the news that Democrat Joe Biden has won the US presidential election by congratulating him and his running mate on behalf of Scotland. (Photo by Andy Buchanan-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Biden, 77, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanising a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy.

The strategy proved effective, resulting in pivotal victories in Michigan and Wisconsin as well as Pennsylvania, onetime Democratic bastions that had flipped to Trump in 2016.

Kamala Harris, Mr Biden’s running mate, will make history when she is sworn in as the first black, and first female, Vice President in January.

Commenting on the US election result, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said: "I warmly congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election victory, which gives great hope to progressives around the world.

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"Scotland has a long and enduring friendship with the United States. I am delighted that the American people have chosen fairness, equality, and decency at this crucial election.

"The United States has an important role to play in tackling the shared global challenges of coronavirus, climate change, poverty, and inequality. The renewed commitment on these issues from Joe Biden is one that is strongly welcomed and shared by Scotland.

"The integrity of democracy demands this result is recognised in America and internationally. The Prime Minister must now arrange an early call with President-elect Biden to officially acknowledge this result and congratulate him on an historic achievement.

"Boris Johnson must also reflect on his own reputation as 'Britain Trump'. His extreme Brexit policies, and his decision to align himself so closely with the narrow politics of Donald Trump, have left the Tory Prime Minister increasingly isolated on the world stage."

Mr Johnson also tweeted his congratulations.

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He said: “Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as president of the United States, and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.

"The US is our most important ally, and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”

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