Obama Visits UK, Meets PM Gordon Brown

By Danica Kirka

US PRESIDENTIAL contender Barack Obama visited Britain last month, and spoke with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Obama said he and Brown discussed a wide range of issues, such as climate change, terrorism and financial markets.

"The prime minister's emphasis - like mine - is on how we can strengthen the trans-Atlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any single country individually," he said.

The Democratic hopeful seemed relaxed as he strolled down to the prime minister's office at 10 Downing Street, pausing briefly to shake the hands of two somewhat startled police officers standing near the door. He turned to television cameras, smiled, waved and said "Hello," before walking into No 10. Brown greeted him just inside the door.

Pooled television images showed Brown offering Obama a chair on the Downing Street terrace before they settled down for two hours of talks.

The pair later took a stroll in the sunshine around Horse Guards Parade, the vast open space where military reviews, such as Trooping the Color, are often held. Tourists snapped pictures from a distance while security guards walked ahead of the two men.

The stroll in the vast arena offered a photo opportunity with a London backdrop for Obama, whose visit to Britain has been decidedly low-key, particularly after the huge crowds he drew earlier in the week in Germany.

With the exception of the walkabout, British officials took care to make certain the same photo opportunities were offered to Obama as were given to Republican presidential contender John McCain during his visit earlier this year. Protocol normally dictates that visiting contenders be given the same treatment - thereby avoiding the appearance of any favoritism.

Obama stressed the importance of the bond between the two nations.

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"We've been through world wars together. We speak a common language. We share a belief in rule of law and due process," he said. "We just like the people. There is a deep and abiding affection for the British people in America and a fascination with all things British that's not going to go away any time soon."

Obama later met with opposition Conservative leader David Cameron for a postcard moment, posing for photographs in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Earlier, he met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is now a Middle East envoy. The meeting lasted for just over an hour.

The visit has generated enormous interest in Britain, with the press pack stretching the length of the road outside the prime minister's office. Reporters stood five or six deep in some spots, squatting beneath scaffolding to get a good view.