Gordon Brown writes about "historic partnership" with US

30 July 2007

The PM has written an article for the Washington Post where he talks about the UK and the US's "shared history" and "shared values", and the importance of uniting to fight terrorism.

As he begins his first visit to the US since becoming PM, Mr Brown writes that he is visiting the country early in his premiership to "affirm the historic partnership of shared purpose that unites our two countries".

Quoting one of his predecessors, the PM continues:

"Winston Churchill spoke of what he called 'the joint inheritance' of Britain and America. But he was thinking of more than just the dates, places and institutions of our shared historical experience. The joint inheritance he wrote of was a shared belief in what he called 'the great principles of freedom and the rights of man'."

The PM describes the shared values as being based on "the idea that everyone is created equal". He says this "bind(s) us together and give us strength to work together to face down every challenge ahead", in particular the global challenge of terrorism.

Following 9/11 and the subsequent terror attacks and threats in and against the UK, Mr Brown says that it is the two countries' "shared task to expose terrorism for what it is - not a cause but a crime. A crime against humanity".

He writes:

"We must expose the contrast between great objectives to tackle global poverty and honor human dignity, and the evils of terrorists who would bomb and maim people irrespective of faith, indifferent to the very existence of human life."

Mr Brown states that to defeat terrorism, as well as to achieve peace in Darfur and to successfully restart the world trade talks, the UK and US must draw on their shared history and values, and work together. He concludes:

"Separated - yes - by an ocean, we are still united by the streams of history and the strengths of our ideals. Standing together on this foundation we will prevail in the greatest struggles of our times."

The PM and President Bush are due to give a news conference later today, following their wide-ranging talks.

• To read the full article, go to the Washington Post website (opens in new window; registration required)
• PM arrives in US for wide-ranging talks