Boris Johnson today insisted the impeachment process against Donald Trump shows that US democracy is 'strong and robust'. The...
Boris Johnson today insisted the impeachment process against Donald Trump shows that US democracy is 'strong and robust'.
The PM refused to get into the detail of the extraordinary wrangling that saw the former president acquitted in a partisan vote in the senate over recent days.
But he insisted that the US system and constitution had shown its resilience after the 'kerfuffle' over the election result.
The Senate voted 57-43 to convict Mr Trump over his role in fuelling the storming of the Capitol, falling far short of the 67 votes needed for a conviction even though seven Republicans joined forces with the Democrats.
In an interview with CBS television today, Mr Johnson - who was seen as a close ally of Mr Trump but condemned him over the action in the Capitol - was asked what 'signal' the verdict sent to the world.
'I think the clear message that we get from the proceedings in America is that after all the to-ings and fro-ings and all the kerfuffle, American democracy is strong and the American Constitution is strong and and robust,' he said.
'And we're delighted now, I'm very delighted, to have a good relationship with the White House, which is an important part of any UK prime minister's mission.'
In an interview with CBS television today (pictured), Boris Johnson - who was seen as a close ally of Donald Trump but condemned him over the action in the Capitol - was asked what 'signal' the verdict sent to the world
President Joe Biden (left) reacted to the Senate acquittal of Mr Trump (right) by calling for unity, and insisting that the 'substance' of the charge of incitement to insurrection is 'not in dispute'
President Joe Biden reacted to the acquittal of Mr Trump by calling for unity, and insisting the 'substance' of the charge of incitement to insurrection was 'not in dispute.'
'While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute,' Biden said in a statement overnight.
'Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' and 'practically and morally responsible for provoking' the violence unleashed on the Capitol,' Biden added.
Mr Biden said that following the trial, he was thinking of those who died on January 6, as well as 'those who demonstrated the courage to protect the integrity of our democracy – Democrats and Republicans, election officials and judges, elected representatives and poll workers – before and after the election.'
'This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile,' said Biden.
'That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies,' he added.
'That is how we end this uncivil war and heal the very soul of our nation. That is the task ahead. And it's a task we must undertake together. As the United States of America,' said Biden.
The Senate voted 57-43 to convict Mr Trump, falling far short of the 67 votes needed even though seven Republicans joined forces with the Democrats
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