Lib Dems Congratulate Carney and Encourage Prime Ministerial Visit
As Mark Carney is announced the new leader of Canada, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey offers his ‘warmest congratulations' to our Canadian sister party and has called on Prime Mininster Keir Starmer to go to Ottawa to stand in solidarity with the country’s new Prime Minister in response to Trump’s threats against Canada.
Portsmouth and the Canadian city of Halifax have a long shared heritage, both being homes of their country's navy and having formalised that friendship by becoming sister cities in 2021. Many local companies have benefited from the relationship with Halifax since it was established in 1759, including with the recent decision by Canada's Liberal government to build 15 Type 26 Frigates in the city.
Ed Davey has also called on Keir Starmer to fly to Canada this week as a show of support, as Trump continues to threaten the imposition of tariffs on Canadian products - as well as on steel and aluminium imports, including from the UK, later this week. Trump has also continued to make alarming comments about wanting to turn Canada into America’s ‘51st State’.
It’s vital for both British and Canadian security that the Commonwealth allies “stand strong together”, Davey said – urging Starmer to show a “united front” against Donald Trump’s “senseless” threats against Canada’s sovereignty and economy.
Right now all Canadians are being asked to serve in their own ways. We’re all being called to stand up for each other and for the Canadian way of life. So let me ask you: who’s ready? Who’s ready to stand up for Canada with me? Hundred per cent. Yes, yes. Yes, Canada. The Liberal Party is united and strong and ready to fight to build an even better country.
Mark Carney, Leader of the Canadian Liberal Party
UK Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said:
“I would like to express my warmest congratulations to the new leader of Canada, Mark Carney. We treasure Canada’s historic relationship with the UK and I look forward to our two nations’ ties becoming ever stronger during your premiership.
“It’s vital for both British and Canadian security that we stand strong together. With global instability rising, it’s never been more important to show a united front with our Commonwealth friends – and to stand together against Trump senselessly turning the screws on his allies, whether that’s Canada, the UK or Europe.
“Responding to the trade war along the North American border, our Prime Minister must stand in solidarity against Trump’s bullying and visit Ottawa in a joint show of strength. Starmer must be clear that Trump’s threats against Commonwealth nations’ sovereignty are unacceptable.”
We treasure Canada’s historic relationship with the UK and I look forward to our two nations’ ties becoming ever stronger during your premiership.
Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats