Gordon Brown has delivered a speech to both houses of the US Congress urging the world to work alongside the US and UK to overcome the global financial crisis.
The PM, only the fifth British Prime Minister to speak to both houses, said the UK and US could not be expected to bear the burden of economic stimulus alone.
Addressing members of Congress in Washington, he said:
“You now have the most pro-American European leadership in living memory - a leadership that wants to cooperate more closely together, in order to cooperate more closely with you. There is no old Europe, no new Europe, there is only your friend Europe.
“So once again I say we should seize this moment - because never before have I seen a world so willing to come together so much. Never before has that been more needed. And never before have the benefits of cooperation been so far-reaching.”
Mr Brown urged combined action in order to stabilise banks and increase demand around the world. In turn, he said, the cooperation would create more jobs and help return trade to being an “engine of prosperity”.
The Prime Minister again highlighted the strong UK-US bond saying there was no power on earth that could drive the two countries apart.
The PM said:
“We will work tirelessly with you as partners for peace in the Middle East: for a two state solution… that provides for nothing less than a secure Israel, safe within its borders, existing side-by-side with a viable Palestinian state… And our shared message to Iran is simple - we are ready for you to rejoin the world community. But first, you must cease your threats and suspend your nuclear programme.”
Mr Brown also used his speech to announce to Congress that the Queen had awarded an honorary Knighthood to Senator Edward Kennedy.
Sir Edward Kennedy was one of the most “distinguished Senators” who had helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, improved health care for Americans, and education for children around the world, said Mr Brown.
The Prime Minister is on the final day of a two-day visit to Washington. Yesterday he met Barack Obama for a one-on-one meeting in the White House, becoming the first European leader to be received by the new President since his inauguration in January.
Speeches and transcripts: PM speech to Congress
Listen to the speech (MP3)
Go to US House of Representatives website (new window)
Go to US Senate website (new window)
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