Gordon Brown warns against protectionism in confronting economic crisis

Washington - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Wednesday urged the United States and other countries to resist protectionist policies while trying to cope with the worldwide economic crisis.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses a Joint Meeting of Congress on the floor of the House of Representatives in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., USA 04 March 2009. Prime Minister Brown has admitted the Government should have been tougher on British banks, but again rejected claims he should personally apologise for the economic crisis. EPA/MATTHEW CAVANAUGHBrown became the fifth British prime minister to address a joint session of the US Congress during his visit to Washington to discuss the economic downturn with President Barack Obama. 'Should we succumb to a race to the bottom and to a protectionism that history tells us that in the end protects no one?' Brown said. 'No. We should have the confidence, America and Britain most of all, that we can seize the global opportunities ahead and make the future work for us.' Brown called on world governments to act to stimulate their economies, adding that the United States and Britain cannot share the burden alone in trying to revive consumption and trade. But he also defended the need to implement market regulations to prevent finance crises in the future. 'We have learned through this world downturn that markets should be free, but market should never be values free,' Brown said, receiving an enthusiastic applause. Brown met with Obama on Tuesday during his first White House visit since the new president took office January 20. The two leaders are seeking broad cooperation across the globe to respond to the bleak economic situation. The meeting took place about a month prior to the summit of the world's 20 leading economies in London. Obama pushed a 787-billion- dollar stimulus package through Congress last month to boost the economy and create jobs. 'An economic hurricane has swept the world, creating a crisis of credit and a crisis of confidence,' Brown said. 'History has brought us now to a point where change is essential. We are summoned not just to manage our times but to transform them.' Brown praised US leadership in the world and the sacrifices the US soldiers made alongside British troops during two wars in Europe. He said a strong trans-Atlantic relationship is required to address the world's challenges and that the United States and Europe must overcome differences created over the last eight years. 'We should seize this moment because never before have I seen a world willing to come together so much, never before has that been more needed, and never before have the benefits of cooperation been so far reaching,' Brown said. The British prime minister said Britain will work with the United States to achieve a peace settlement in the Middle East based on a two-state solution and to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. 'And our shared message to Iran, it is simple. We are ready for you to rejoin the international community but, first, you must cease your threats and suspend your nuclear programmes,' Brown said. During their meeting on Tuesday, Brown and Obama discussed the conflict in Afghanistan, which has become a top priority for the White House. The two leaders agreed their must be a coordinated effort in the fight against the Taliban and at addressing the safe havens in the border region in Pakistan.

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@lanceMar 5th, 2009 - 01:16:31

As if I need your permission to 'have it my way.'
As for money and spending it, I have more than enough to last until I end, with plenty left over for my children and their children, too. What legacy do you leave to your offspring, assuming of course, that you aren't just another hybrid, sterile seed?

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lance can't danceMar 5th, 2009 - 01:20:38

Lance can't have offspring. He got no balls.

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lanceMar 5th, 2009 - 02:03:16

Curious how the 'typical U.S. citizen' defends the right of the president of the U.S. to live an opulent lifestyle while running the country into the ground with major debt spending.

Do you also defend that right for others? For example: Can the CEO of G.M. buy huge jumbo jets and fly all around and rent out luxury accommodations?

Congress seems to think it is unfit for the CEO of G.M. to do it, however they do it themselves.

How about the presidents of other countries? Can they hoard riches and live opulently while their people go bankrupt?

I detect some major problems with your line of thought. Generally it is called: Hypocrisy and 'willful negligence'.

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lanceMar 5th, 2009 - 02:05:04

'and 'willful negligence''

of course, I meant: 'Willful Ignorance'.

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lance, the cabbage patch baby,Mar 5th, 2009 - 02:16:10

who had his brains vacuumed says this:'I detect some major problems with your line of thought.'
Who is he talking to, himself, again?
If he is, then for the first time in his short, miserable, misbegotten life, he is correct. Or is he talking to his imaginary friends?

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lance doesn't knowMar 5th, 2009 - 02:20:30

what he means. Here's a hint, lance: you are meaningless. There that should end your angst. Now, go forth and multiply.

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some posts seemMar 5th, 2009 - 05:47:12

to allude to other posts that aren't there. Did lance have more posts of his removed for being profane? Or just too insane?

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ideaMar 5th, 2009 - 12:04:29

sp4 should call lance on the phone and argue
that would give the people on here a chance to say something once.
how about it guys ??

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@IdeaMar 5th, 2009 - 17:35:34

/good idea