Sir Keir Starmer has led a host of tributes to former US president Jimmy Carter, saying he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”.
The Prime Minister said Mr Carter, who died aged 100, will be remembered for the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, as well as his “decades of selfless public service”.
He added that it was the Democrat’s “lifelong dedication to peace” that led to him receiving the Nobel Peace prize in 2002.
Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1
Sir Keir was joined in paying tribute to the 39th president by other leaders including the King, current President Joe Biden, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and former PM Tony Blair.
The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carter’s 1977 visit to the UK with “great fondness” and praised his “dedication and humility”.
In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, Charles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter.
“He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.
“His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.
“My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.”
Mr Biden said that Mr Carter was an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”.
He said his fellow Democrat was a “dear friend”, as he announced that he will order a state funeral to be held for him in Washington DC.
“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” he said.
“Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Carter “will be remembered for generations”.
“Jimmy Carter was an inspiration,” Mr Davey wrote on X.
“He led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. He will be remembered for generations.”
Mr Blair said: “Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years,” he said.
“I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.”