UK officials weigh opportunities and risks after US midterm results

UK politicians and officials have weighed the opportunities and risks for Britain after the US midterm elections, in which Democrats took control of Congress.

Reaction in the UK

Andy Burnham, who was at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua when results came in, said he felt relief that the US president could be restrained. "I feel the world has an opportunity now to unite around the issue that is affecting us all and that's the cost of living," he said. "But I can't get people's cost of living pressures down until the conflict in the Middle East is resolved … I'll be working for de-escalation, to make it very clear."

A UK government official described the results as historic, saying: "We knew it was going to be bad for Trump but it was historic result after historic result: Kansas, South Carolina, Texas."

Foreign policy outlook

UK officials said the midterms are the most consequential for the UK in decades, with potential to have a greater impact at home than almost any domestic announcement. The energy price shock and interest rate hikes caused by the US war on Iran have severely affected economies around the world.

David Miliband, a former UK foreign secretary now based in New York, said: "There is a chance that the cross-party congressional majority to support Ukraine finds its voice and leverage. I hope so." He added: "I would guess that the odds on renewed assault on Iran have lengthened, and the pressure for resolution will be strengthened."

Kim Darroch, the UK's former ambassador to Washington, warned that Trump still had the ability to wreak chaos on the world stage. "You can't formally declare war without congressional approval but you can engage in conflict. He can impose tariffs and insult allies and cosy up to dictators. All of that is still open to Trump," he said.

Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: "Equally likely – and that's the problem – is that he might use his three aircraft carriers and his buildup of troops in the Gulf and just decide he's going to invade. Honestly, we don't know."

Why it matters

The results constrain Trump's domestic powers while leaving him significant influence over foreign policy. UK ministers say they are cautiously optimistic but proceeding carefully, noting Trump accused Labour of "interference" during the last presidential election after party staff volunteered for Kamala Harris's campaign.

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Sources

• mirror.co.uk: 'US midterm results saw right-wing shown the door as hope goes global' - The Mirror
• theguardian.com: ‘Finally there’s hope’: UK weighs up opportunities and risks after Trump’s midterms disaster | US midterm elections 2026 | The Guardian

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.