Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, lamented the US election result as “a dark, dark day for people around the globe”.

The result of the presidential race has not yet been officially confirmed, but Donald Trump has declared victory.

Trump needs 270 electoral votes to win and has secured 266 to Kamala Harris’ 219 at this point.

Sir Ed said: “This is a dark, dark day for people across the globe. The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.

“Fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU is even more urgent than before.

“We need to strengthen trade and defense cooperation across Europe to protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.

“Now more than ever, we must uphold the core liberal values ​​of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”