This week saw an historic visit by President Barack Obama, which highlighted our close ties to the United States and the relationship that exists between our countries.  Last Thursday, along with other MPs and Lords, I had the great honour of listening to the first ever address of a US President to our Houses of Parliament.

 

I then had the great pleasure of shaking hands and exchanging a few words with President Obama.  It was an unexpected privilege.  It struck me that, whilst our politics may differ, our backgrounds are somewhat similar.  We not only share the same partially African heritage, we also share the same birth day.  

 

He is an impressive character who has already had a profound influence on the perception of the US around the world.  It is not only our shared history that unites Britain and the US but also our values and beliefs.   We look at the world in a similar way and share the same concerns.  We fight hard to defend democratic values around the world and continue to stand together against tyranny.  We have been allies through world wars, the founding of NATO and the expanding of alliances when the Iron Curtain lifted.

 

This week has put Britain’s relationship with the US in the spotlight and I am delighted that our close connection continues. Meeting the President was an unexpected bonus.