Press Releases

HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : PM seeks strong relationship with next President of United States [November 2008]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 November 2008.

The Prime Minister has spoken of the importance of cooperation between the US and Europe following today’s Presidential election and said he will look to build the “strongest possible relationship” with George Bush’s successor.

Responding to journalists’ questions during his tour of the Gulf, the PM said that the election taking place today had stirred renewed interest in politics and public affairs and had been marked by a series of “landmark events”  such as the prominence of female candidates.

The next step was for the US and Europe to work together on pressing issues such as the economic downturn and peace in the Middle East.

The PM said:

“It’s been an important election. I think that the most important thing that follows from it is that America and Europe will have to work together to deal with the international problems we face, not just the financial crisis but also stopping protectionism, making sure we work for stability and particularly peace in the Middle East.”

Mr Brown returns from his four-day tour of the Gulf today after a series of meetings focused on the global economic downturn, support for the IMF and energy issues.

The US election takes place today with results expected to become available through the night. The PM, who met Barack Obama and John McCain on a trip to the US in April, said he expected to speak to both candidates once the election result was known.