In The Press
Building bridges across the Atlantic (Letter to the Editor of The Guardian)
2 March 2009
In becoming the first European leader to meet President Obama, Gordon Brown underlines his status as one of the key leaders of the European community (Comment, 25 February). While the bilateral link has long been characterised as a "special relationship", the European dimension seems set to play a growing role in UK-EU relations. Under Brown's leadership, the UK has played an important role in leading the European and global response to the economic downturn. But with the EU and US comprising 58% of global GDP and 37% of world trade, their collective leadership is imperative. Similarly, on climate change, there is common ground on the urgency of the problem and the need to take action to cut emissions. The UK has an important role and we have more to offer President Obama as a strong voice within the EU.
Roland Rudd, John Grant and Stephen Wall
Business for New Europe