Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Brown hails new president and new chapter

Tuesday 20 January 2009 13:08 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Gordon Brown today heralded the arrival of President Barack Obama as a "new chapter in both American history and the world's history".

The Prime Minister praised Mr Obama as a "man of great vision and moral purpose" who would tackle the global financial crisis and other problems such as the environment.

Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Brown said: "The whole world is watching the inauguration of President Obama, witnessing a new chapter in both American history and the world's history.

"He's not only the first black American president but he sets out with the determination to solve the world's problems."

Mr Brown said he had met Mr Obama in London and Washington, and spoken to him by telephone on a number of occasions.

"He is a man of great vision, he is a man of great determination and energy, and he is a man of great moral purpose," he said.

The Prime Minister said Mr Obama was clear that these were "extraordinary times" with "unprecedented challenges".

The new president had already shown "great courage" and "boldness" in setting out plans to combat the financial crisis.

Mr Brown said Mr Obama was proposing a fiscal package similar to that in Britain and other countries.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in