Keir Starmer congratulates Joe Biden after he pulls out of US presidential race

The Prime Minister praised Joe Biden for making a decision based on what he believes is “in the best interests of the American people” after the US president withdrew his bid for re-election.

Mr Biden said on Sunday that it was “in the best interest of my party and the country that I step down”.

Responding to Mr Biden’s decision, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to us working together for the remainder of his presidency.

“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people.”

Mr Biden also offered his “full support” to Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

In a message posted on his social media account, he said: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and will focus all of my energy on my duties as president for the remainder of my term.

“My very first decision as the party’s nominee in 2020 was to choose Kamala Harris as my running mate. And it was the best decision I ever made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement to Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats, it’s time to come together and defeat Trump. Let’s do it.”

In a separate letter to X, Mr Biden said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president.

“While I intend to run for re-election, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country that I step aside and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

He said in his statement that he would address the nation on the issue next week, adding: “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who worked so hard to see me re-elected. I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all of this work. And let me express my sincere gratitude to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.”

“I believe today what I have always believed: Nothing is impossible for America – if we do it together. We just have to remember that we are the United States of America.”

The move comes after growing pressure from Mr Biden’s Democratic allies for him to step down following his failed June 27 debate.

Mr. Biden’s term ends at noon on January 20, 2025.

Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “honored” to have Joe Biden’s endorsement.

In a statement, she thanked the US president for his “extraordinary leadership” and for performing a “selfless and patriotic act” by stepping down.

She said: “I am honored to have the support of the president and my intention is to deserve and win this nomination.”

She added: “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party – and unite our nation – to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.

“We have 107 days left until Election Day. Together we will fight. And together we will win.”

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Joe Biden’s “love of America and dedication to service”.

In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, the former prime minister said: “Working with Joe Biden, I have seen first-hand his love for America and his dedication to service.

“Our partnership has led to significant achievements, including Aukus, steadfast support for Israel, and joint efforts to defend our people against Houthi threats.

“I wish him the best.”

On his Truth Social platform, former US President Donald Trump, who is running as a Republican, said: “Joe Biden was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve – and never was!”

He added: “We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will quickly repair the damage he has done. LET’S MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Responding to Mr Biden’s statement, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “I predicted this would happen in September 2023.

“No matter which candidate they choose, Trump will win in November.”