Senior Labour figures celebrate France’s “defeat of hatred and racism”

The victory of Emmanuel Macron over Marine Le Pen’s fascist National Front is being celebrated across the world – and the Labour party is no different.

The centrist candidate will be inaugurated this Sunday after winning 66.1 per cent in yesterday’s run-off compared to the 33.9 per cent of Le Pen.

Here is what some prominent figures from across the Labour movement had to say.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted:

I am delighted that the French people have decisively rejected Le Pen’s politics of hate.

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 7, 2017

And later added:

Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your victory in #Presidentielle2017. I look forward to working with you.

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 7, 2017

Hilary Benn, the former shadow foreign secretary, tweeted:

The French Presidential election result is a victory for hope over fear. #FranceElections2017

— Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) May 7, 2017

Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, tweeted her congratulations to the president elect:

Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron. Today France faced a stark choice & she chose optimism, tolerance & hope over fear, hatred & division.

— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) May 7, 2017

Manuel Cortes, the general secretary of the TSSA, shared his thoughts on twitter:

Great to see fascism has been defeated in France. However, we need a new Europe which puts ordinary people first! https://t.co/1h8hJPSyYz

— Manuel Cortes (@Manuel_TSSA) May 7, 2017

Rachel Reeves, the former shadow work and pensions secretary, tweeted:

Some good political news! Delighted that @EmmanuelMacron will be the next French President and that hope has defeated hatred and racism.

— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) May 7, 2017

David Lammy, former government minister, tweeted his incredulity that even in 2017 we are still fighting against the fascists:

Can’t believe I’m here in 2017 celebrating the defeat of a fascist but we live in troubling times. Well done France ?? #Presidentielle2017

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 7, 2017

Sadiq Khan, London mayor, tweeted:

The French people have chosen hope over fear and unity over division. Congratulations @EmmanuelMacron. #FrenchElection pic.twitter.com/zSNRaEdPRE

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 7, 2017

Luciana Berger, former shadow mental health minister, shared her thoughts:

Some good news – hope trumps hate. Congratulations President Macron! #ElectionPresidentielle2017 #frenchelection https://t.co/1IIYZ0eREP

— Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) May 7, 2017