Why is Gordon Brown in the US?
After a rousing speech at the Labour Party conference there is confusion and disappointment at Gordon Browns decision to spend a few days in the US discussing the financial crisis. While there is nothing wrong in ensuring the interests of the UK are reflected in any move by the US Congress, could this not have been done with a number of phone calls to the US?
As the UK investment markets continue to struggle, mortgage lending all but dries up and house prices continue to head south there are concerns that the PM is embarking on a Tony Blair type whistle stop tour for his own ends. The sight of Mr Brown holding an impromptu press conference on the streets of New York further heightens the concern that he has become something of a small fish in large pond in the US.
The fact is that the UK's special relationship with the US all but disappeared after Margaret Thatcher left office as reflected by the rude behaviour of George Bush towards Tony Blair on a number of occasions. We need to be putting our own house in order before attempting to right the wrongs of the world - as they say, charity begins at home.
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