Brown hails global cooperation during Capitol speech
WASHINGTON -- In a passionate speech Wednesday to a joint session of Congress British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was time to "seize the moment" and work together as a global community to conquer the many obstacles facing the world.
"Let us work together to restore prosperity and protect this planet and with faith in the future let us together build tomorrow, today," Brown said in a formal address to congressional leaders.
In an emotional speech which elicited many standing ovations, Brown spoke of the economic crisis facing the world and other major challenges like nuclear proliferation, terrorism and climate change.
"No matter where it starts, an economic crisis does not stop at the water's edge," he said told members of the House and Senate. "It ripples across the world."
"A bad bank anywhere is a threat to good banks everywhere," he said.
Brown's speech comes a day after he met with President Obama and before Brown hosts a global financial summit in London next month.
"Now more than ever the rest of the world wants to work with America," the prime minister said.
Brown repeatedly spoke of the warm relations between Britain and the United States "founded on our shared history, our shared values and I believe our shared future."
He paid tribute to soldiers from both countries fighting side by side in Iraq and Afghanistan "just as our forefathers fought side by side in the sands of Tunisia and the beaches of Normandy."
"Our partnership is unbreakable and I know that there is no power on Earth that can ever drive us apart," Brown said to a standing ovation.
Of the economic crisis Brown said it was crucial to fight together to restore prosperity and "have the confidence that we can seize the opportunity ahead and make the future work for us."
Brown spoke of the importance of helping the "weak" during dire economic times, people who have lost their homes, their jobs, because "when the strong help the weak it makes us all stronger."
Tony Blair was the last prime minister to address a joint session of Congress in the spring of 2003. Brown assumed office in 2007 after Blair resigned.
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