Jeremy Corbyn describes Donald Trump's win as a "wake up call"

Here they come. The British politicians waking up to the reality that from 20 January 2017, they’ll have to do business with Donald Trump.

Foremost to stick their oar in was PM Theresa May – who gave the rather muted statement that congratulated Trump on his victory: 

“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.”

Which isn’t that cutting, is it? May is going to have to work with Trump, so she has to remain… diplomatic. Unlike Jeremy Corbyn, who can say what he wants.

In a statement released earlier today, Corbyn describes Trump’s win as a shock – which is something of an understatement. The full release goes on to assess just why Trump has been victorious and to look at how we might go forward into a world with Donald Trump as the leader of America:

“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.

“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.”

Which sounds lovely, but doesn’t really say a lot, does it? It’s a recognition for a “real alternative” without any assurance or sense that the alternative is forthcoming. 

Let’s see if the 11-or-so major elections set to take place in Europe in 2017 begin to firm up that “real alternative”, or solidify the rejection of the political establishment.