Official diplomatic statements and policy changes

Trump Accuses UK Labour of 'Blatant Interference' in U.S. Election, Files Complaint

Oct 23, 2024, 11:56 AM

The Trump campaign has filed a legal complaint with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) accusing the UK's Labour Party of illegal foreign interference in the U.S. presidential election. In a press release titled "The British are coming!", the campaign alleges that Labour activists, numbering around 100, including party staffers and members, have been sent to the United States to volunteer for Kamala Harris's campaign, particularly in key battleground states such as North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. The Trump campaign argues that this constitutes an illegal in-kind contribution from foreign nationals and is a violation of U.S. election laws. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed the allegations, insisting that the Labour Party is not organizing or funding the activities, and that any involvement by Labour members is done voluntarily, at their own expense, and in accordance with both U.S. and UK laws. Senior Labour figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Environment Secretary Steve Reed, have echoed this stance, emphasizing that it is common practice for political activists to volunteer in foreign elections. Steve Reed stated, "None of this was organised or funded by the Labour Party itself." Some Labour activists are reportedly cancelling their trips to the U.S. following the complaint. The row has raised concerns about the potential impact on the UK-U.S. relationship should Donald Trump win the upcoming election. Despite the tension, Labour officials maintain that they have a good relationship with Trump, noting that Keir Starmer had dinner with him last month, and that they will work closely with whoever is elected by the American people.