British Prime Minister Theresa May
congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US presidency on
Wednesday, saying Britain and the United States would remain
"strong and close partners on trade, security and defence".
Before being appointed prime minister, May had criticised
Trump's call for a ban on Muslims from entering the United
States, saying it was divisive, unhelpful and wrong.
She also called his suggestion that parts of London were so
radicalised that the police dare not enter them "nonsense",
saying: "I think it shows that he doesn't understand the United
Kingdom and what happens in the United Kingdom".
But since Britain's surprise vote to leave the European
Union in June prompted the resignation of her predecessor David
Cameron and led to her appointment as leader, May has been
careful not to pass comment on the former reality TV host.
In a statement, May said Trump had won a "hard-fought
campaign" and that she wanted the "special relationship" between
Britain and the United States to endure.
"I would like to congratulate Donald Trump on being elected
the next president of the United States, following a hard-fought
campaign," May said.
"Britain and the United States have an enduring and special
relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and
enterprise. We are, and will remain, strong and close partners
on trade, security and defence."
"I look forward to working with President-elect Donald
Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and
prosperity of our nations in the years ahead."
