Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

How British politicians reacted to the American election at 5am

Some MPs had stayed up all night to watch the election

Jon Stone
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 09 November 2016 03:11 EST
Comments
Donald Trump
Donald Trump (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Britain's politicians watched on in horror on Tuesday night as Donald Trump edged closer and closer towards the US presidency.

Many of the UK's MPs stayed up overnight or rose early to catch the final result of the election, which saw the far-right millionaire propelled towards being the most powerful man in the world.

Here's how many of them reacted to the news that Mr Trump was the likely winner through bleary eyes at around 5am UK time.

US Election: Presidential results by state - 07:00

Some MPs worried about the future of NATO.

Others considered the implications for Britain's post-Brexit trade deals.

For some, the implications were too frightening to consider.

It was a time to consider the unthinkable.

They mulled over the implications of the new President's policies.

One MP saw a warning to politicians in the result.

Some MPs urged caution and a time for reflection on the result.

Futility was the order of the day.

For some, the choice was more stark.

A certain MP had already had enough for this year, thank you.

Others sensed and element of bathetic fallacy.

One former Deputy Prime Minister tried his hand at humour.

One MP above all others perhaps summarised the feelings of the nation.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in