Obama enjoys "spectacular day" at Downing St
Saturday, 26 Jul 2008 20:27
Barack Obama in Britain today
Barack Obama said he has enjoyed a "spectacular day" in the UK on the final leg of his diplomatic tour.
The presumptive Democratic nominee arrived in Britain late on Friday night to a 'rock star' reception, although his talks on British shores have been more underwhelming.
He met former prime minister Tony Blair for a breakfast reception this morning before talks with Gordon Brown and a visit to Downing Street.
Mr Obama also met with Conservative leader David Cameron later in the day.
In a low-key address to members of the press outside the prime minister's residence at lunchtime, Mr Obama said: "I've had a wonderful visit to 10 Downing Street and I've had a wonderful visit with the prime minister and I've seen his family as well.
"We, and our staff, have discussed a wide range of issues.
"The prime minister's emphasis, like mine, is how we can strengthen the transatlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any country individually."
Mr Obama said climate change, international terrorism, the issues surrounding financial markets and the situation in the
Middle East were among the matters up for discussion.
He also expressed gratitude for Britain's "stalwart assistance on issues like Afghanistan".
Margot Miller of Democrats Abroad told
inthenews.co.uk members of her party had united behind Mr Obama after the divisive primary season.
"He can engage with foreign leaders and show he understands the world - I think that has a large role in why he's doing this trip," she said.
"It's an important message to get to the voters back home. Americans want to see that he really can engage and talk about the issues that we all care about."
Mr Obama used his Berlin speech to emphasise the importance of unity between
Europeans and the United States.
He told Berliners: "People of the world – look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one."
Ms Margot rejected claims that his idealism appears naïve at times.
"He's obviously a very emotional speaker – it's one of his strengths. He's a bright, articulate candidate."
Mr Obama has also visited Afghanistan, Iraq,
Israel and France on his tour of the Middle East and Europe. His Republican rival John McCain completed a similar trip earlier in the year.