UK: Labour Party Faces Backlash Over US Election Campaign Plans for Kamala Harris

London: The Labour Party is sending nearly 100 current and former staff members to the United States to support the Democrats in key swing states ahead of the November 5 election. Activists from Sir Keir Starmer’s party will spend about two and a half weeks canvassing for Kamala Harris in Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, all seen as crucial for her campaign.

Some Republicans have criticized this move, calling it an “outrage” that could harm the UK’s relationship with the US if Donald Trump wins. Elon Musk commented on social media, claiming the campaign is illegal. According to the Federal Election Commission, foreign volunteers cannot donate or spend money on campaigns but can help as unpaid volunteers.

Sofia Patel, Labour’s head of operations, announced the trip on LinkedIn, encouraging staff to volunteer. Past Labour members have supported Democratic candidates before, though no one traveled during the pandemic in 2020. In 2016, over 70 Labour activists campaigned for Hillary Clinton in North Carolina.

Labour activists who want to join this campaign must pay for their own flights and car rentals, but Democrats will provide accommodation. Although Sir Keir Starmer was unable to meet Kamala Harris during a recent visit to the US, he aims to build relationships with all potential future leaders. Meanwhile, polls show that Harris’s campaign is struggling in several swing states.