Obama Visit

During the visit of Obama, the President of the United States there was much speculation over whether we still share the ‘special relationship’ and over which subjects the President would choose to discuss with the Government.

I was lucky enough to be allocated tickets to listen to Obama’s address to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall. The Hall is a place where you cannot help but feel the immense history associated with British politics. Dating from the 11^th Century, it is in this Hall that our English law was forged. A king was sentenced to death here. Churchill and the Queen Mother lay in state here. And few people know that just around the corner, ornate designs by Pugin – who lived in Ramsgate – adorn the walls and ceilings. A little something from Thanet in Parliament!

But it was not only the architecture that the President experienced from Thanet on his trip, he also had the benefit of the skill and talent of local Thanet College students who served at the State Banquet held for him by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.  So Thanet certainly played its part in making his visit special.

There is no doubt that the President has gravitas. He was elected on a platform of change and – as he reminded MPs in his speech – made history as the first Afro-American President. As the grandson of a Kenyan who served as a cook in the British Army, Obama is living proof that effort, hard work and self-belief can result in the greatest of achievements.

But in declaring the UK and America’s relationship ‘not just special, but essential’, the President reminded us all that immense challenges of international significance are best undertaken in partnership, not unilaterally. The President said: “The time for our leadership is now… We are the nations most willing to stand up for the values of tolerance and self-determination that lead to peace and dignity." And he was right.