Brown hails new president and new chapter

Gordon Brown today heralded the arrival of President Barack Obama as a "new chapter in both American history and the world's history".

The Prime Minister praised Mr Obama as a "man of great vision and moral purpose" who would tackle the global financial crisis and other problems such as the environment.

Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Brown said: "The whole world is watching the inauguration of President Obama, witnessing a new chapter in both American history and the world's history.

"He's not only the first black American president but he sets out with the determination to solve the world's problems."

Mr Brown said he had met Mr Obama in London and Washington, and spoken to him by telephone on a number of occasions.

"He is a man of great vision, he is a man of great determination and energy, and he is a man of great moral purpose," he said.

The Prime Minister said Mr Obama was clear that these were "extraordinary times" with "unprecedented challenges".

The new president had already shown "great courage" and "boldness" in setting out plans to combat the financial crisis.

Mr Brown said Mr Obama was proposing a fiscal package similar to that in Britain and other countries.