US Election: Britain should respect Donald Trump's victory, says Gavin Williamson

Gavin Williamson has said that the Republican candidate's victory is a chance for Britain to build on its 'special relationship' with America.

But the South Staffordshire MP told the Express & Star that Britain should respect the US election result, regardless of whether people agreed with the winning candidate.

"We should always be respectful of another country's democratic process," he said.

"It is not for people in Britain to say whether the American people got it right or wrong.

"That would be the same as people in the US being dismissive of our own elections. Sometimes elections can throw up results that are perhaps unexpected.

"It is all part of what makes democracy so interesting."

The shock US election result has been compared to the Brexit vote in the EU referendum in some quarters, with the divisive campaigns from Mr Trump and his defeated rival Hillary Clinton mirroring the referendum fought by the Remain and Leave camps.

But Mr Williamson said there was 'a serious danger' of trying to draw too many parallels between Brexit and the US election result.

"We have very different political systems," he said. "On one hand it was a polarising election campaign in the same way that the referendum was divisive in the UK.

"But to a great extent people here have come together surprisingly quickly. We must hope that the world's largest super power will also come together to be a force in the world.

"There are interesting times ahead."

There was a mixed response to the result from MPs around the Black Country and Staffordshire.

Lichfield's Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has stressed that Mr Trump could make a good president, providing he took steps to curb some of his more outlandish comments.

Soon after Mr Trump's victory was announced he Tweeted: "I hope this is a rejection of the establishment, not a rejection of liberal values."

In a further post to his 24,000 followers, he added: "Much angst being expressed by commentators.

"They said much the same of Ronnie Reagan who turned out to be a great US President."

Wolverhampton South West MP Rob Marris said it was 'sad' that America has elected 'flawed character' Mr Trump as president.

But he said that although the Republicans kept control of both houses of Congress in the elections, it would be hard for Mr Trump to cause too much damage.

"I am not as concerned as some commentators," Labour MP Mr Marris said.

"The power of the US president is so constrained by the constitution that it is difficult for a president to wreak havoc."

Labour's Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said Mr Trump's message had succeeded in reaching America's silent majority.

"I think Mr Trump won because he successfully positioned himself as having an answer to a lot of people's grievances and anger," he said.

"The centre left across the western world will only start ruling again when we develop a better answer than the one being offered by the right, which offers real opportunity and hope for change."

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds, said she was 'disappointed that Mrs Clinton had not won.

"This result is the worst example of the rise of an anti-establishment view that is affecting the US, the UK and western Europe," she added.

The Conservatives Aldridge and Brownhills MP Wendy Morton said she was shocked at how the race panned out, having expected Mrs Clinton to edge a close contest.

She said it would be interesting to see how Mr Trump's victory would impact on British-American relations.

"The American people have had their say and we have to respect that," she said.

"I thought it was going to be a close race.

"What it will mean for the UK's relationship with America, I don't know. I hope we can maintain good relationships with them, but that remains to be seen."

Of Mr Trump, she added: "He is certainly a character. He has made some controversial comments, some of which have not gone down very well with a lot of people. It's for him now to prove himself as a president.

"It's a race that has seemed to go on for a long time. A lot of people have described it as a vote for the anti-establishment."

Walsall North MP David Winnick said he believed the anger of the American people over low wages and an uncertain jobs market had led to the election result.

West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson said he congratulated Mr Trump on his victory, while Adrian Bailey said he hoped the President-elect's business skills would prevail over his 'populist policies'.

"I'm disappointed by the outcome," the West Bromwich West MP added.

Dudley South's Tory MP Mike Wood, said: "Obviously we have to respect the decision of the American voters, and hope that Donald Trump acts like he did in his victory speech, which was much more conciliatory than during the election.

"If that is the direction he is going to take, I think he can make a success of it. Hopefully he can now start rebuilding some of the bridges."

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy was one of many to appeal for unity in the wake of the result. He said: "President-elect Trump said himself it was important people come together and that's vital.

"Theresa May said Britain has a special relationship with America and it is key for that to continue. I had no preference before-hand, it is another country's election and it is up to them.

"Meanwhile at home we have got our own challenges with Brexit."

Warley MP John Spellar said Mr Trump's win made for 'an uncertain future' for Britain over trade and security.

He warned: "People who complained about America's influence on the rest of the world may find it difficult if America is no longer willing to join in discussions."

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said: "The UK and USA have always had a strong and close relationship.

"With Mr Trump as President-elect it is important to maintain that relationship, especially as we start to forge our own trade agreement with the USA as we leave the European Union.

"America will need to reflect on this campaign, and look at ways to heal the wounds that this election has opened. For Britain, we need to ensure that we do all we can to secure peace, prosperity and security both at home and abroad."

Local councillors have also had their say on the US election.

Labour Councillor Roger Lawrence, the leader of Wolverhampton council, said: "I think we have to recognise that the decision of the American people could have serious implications for the British economy.

"It will be particularly worrying if, on the back of Brexit, some of Trump's proposals for increased protection in American leads to instability in global markets.

"There are also serious concerns about the impact on international relations.

"I'm not exactly doing cartwheels."

George Adamson, the leader of Cannock Chase District Council, was devastated by the result and predicted doom and gloom for America which will have a knock-on effect in Britain.

He said: "I am so disappointed I can't believe America have voted for someone like Trump it is going to be a disaster.

"The polls got it wrong big time. For Trump to win so easily is a big shock.

"His foreign policy is worrying he seems to be very pro-Russian. I think the result will have a knock-on effect on the world economy which will effect us in Britain.

"I am just really upset. The world is now going to be a more dangerous place."

Labour's Walsall council leader, Councillor Sean Coughlan said: "I think it's typical of what's happening in politics right across the world that somebody that can be so extreme in their views can find themselves elected as the US president.

"I think there is a big element of fear about it in this country. He has made comments that are abusive towards minority groups, abusive towards women, and I would hate that kind of politics to extend its way over here.

"It really isn't what we need in this country with our own future uncertainty following the Brexit vote.

"I think it shows that people want to take back control from the establishment. For a number of years politicians have not been engaging with their communities and have been taking people for granted.

"I saw Piers Morgan wrote that Trump was his friend and was just saying these things to win the presidency, and he will be a different character when he wins. Hopefully he does calm down, because whatever happens in America will have a knock on effect for the rest of us."

West Midlands Ukip MEP Bill Etheridge praised Mr Trump for sending a message to the global elite that people were 'sick of being ignored'.

"Freedom and democracy are still alive and the people are at last not only fighting back, but winning," he said.