05/04/2013 00:00
TW
0
BY RAY FLEMING TODAY'S G20 conference and its communique will be the ultimate test but it was clear from yesterday's joint press conference by Gordon Brown and Barack Obama that the UK-US relationship could not have got off to a better start. The prime minister was confident and fluent (and even had the confidence to tell a story) and paid eloquent tribute to the way in which the President had given “renewed hope” to citizens of the world. President Obama could not have been more gracious towards his host and referred not once but twice to the special relationship between Britain and the United States, saying the two countries have always stood together. He concluded his introductory remarks by expresing his gratitude to Gordon Brown for his “friendship and leadership”.

On the substance of the G20 issues the two leaders showed virtually complete agreement in principle and were optimistic that a broad agreement would be reached on the five key points that have been identified for endorsement by the conference. Obama said that the US is “committed to working alongside the UK to do whatever it takes to stimulate demand.” And, as always, he found some telling phrases to drive home his points. He said that it was “the human dimension of the crisis where the agenda begins and where it will end”, and, while recognising the difficulties and differences that had to be overcome, he urged: “Don't short-change the future because of your fear of the present.