Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party have won a decisive majority in the UK’s general election. First reactions from world leaders have stressed the importance of shaping future relations with the UK. US President Donald Trump congratulated Mr Johnson on his “great win”.

Mr Johnson said he now had a mandate to take the UK out of the EU next month “no ifs, no buts” and some EU leaders have said they welcomed the clarity on the Brexit issue.

President Trump said the US and UK would now be free to strike a “massive” new trade deal after Brexit. “This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU,” he said in a tweet.

European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was prepared to negotiate a free-trade agreement with Britain. He also said the EU expected a quick vote in the British parliament on Brexit. “It’s important to have clarity.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Mr Johnson for the clear win. “I look forward to our further co-operation towards the friendship and close partnership of our countries,” she said in a statement posted on Twitter.(BBC)…[+]