Menu
24/09/2009
No Obama Snub, Says No. 10
Reports that US President Barack Obama repeatedly 'snubbed' Prime Minister Gordon Brown while in New York, have been denied.
Downing Street and the White House have both moved to clarify the situation, after a number of media outlets suggested Mr Obama had declined Mr Brown's requests for discussions five times.
Both men are currently in New York for a major United Nations conference.
According to Number 10 aides, talks were held between the political leaders following a UN dinner. It is believed they chatted in a building's kitchen.
However, cabinet minister Shaun Woodward today told the BBC Mr Brown and the president had met on several occasions.
Mr Woodward said if he was to count the number of NYC meetings he "would run out of fingers on one hand".
The Northern Ireland secretary claimed prime ministerial trips frequently flag up alleged 'snubs', which he described as "trivia".
It was widely reported White House staff declined the wishes of UK officials for a meeting, whilst facilitating private discussions between the president and the leaders of Russia, China and Japan.
Some suggested Mr Obama is still concerned over the Sottish Parliament's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber from prison on compassionate grounds.
The president called the release of Libyan Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi a "mistake".
Despite this, Downing Street said reports of a snub were "completely without foundation".
White House staff dismissed the suggestions as "totally absurd".
"We would add that President Obama and Prime Minister Brown enjoy a terrific relationship, they speak regularly on a range of the most difficult challenges facing our two nations and meet frequently," added the spokesman.
(PR/GK)
Downing Street and the White House have both moved to clarify the situation, after a number of media outlets suggested Mr Obama had declined Mr Brown's requests for discussions five times.
Both men are currently in New York for a major United Nations conference.
According to Number 10 aides, talks were held between the political leaders following a UN dinner. It is believed they chatted in a building's kitchen.
However, cabinet minister Shaun Woodward today told the BBC Mr Brown and the president had met on several occasions.
Mr Woodward said if he was to count the number of NYC meetings he "would run out of fingers on one hand".
The Northern Ireland secretary claimed prime ministerial trips frequently flag up alleged 'snubs', which he described as "trivia".
It was widely reported White House staff declined the wishes of UK officials for a meeting, whilst facilitating private discussions between the president and the leaders of Russia, China and Japan.
Some suggested Mr Obama is still concerned over the Sottish Parliament's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber from prison on compassionate grounds.
The president called the release of Libyan Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi a "mistake".
Despite this, Downing Street said reports of a snub were "completely without foundation".
White House staff dismissed the suggestions as "totally absurd".
"We would add that President Obama and Prime Minister Brown enjoy a terrific relationship, they speak regularly on a range of the most difficult challenges facing our two nations and meet frequently," added the spokesman.
(PR/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2011
UK Welcomes US Troop Reduction In Afghanistan
The British Prime Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff have both welcomed the announcement that the US will be withdrawing 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. US President Barack Obama announced last night that 10,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan this year and another 23,000 by the end of September 2012.
UK Welcomes US Troop Reduction In Afghanistan
The British Prime Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff have both welcomed the announcement that the US will be withdrawing 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. US President Barack Obama announced last night that 10,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan this year and another 23,000 by the end of September 2012.
05 November 2008
Brown Praises President-Elect Obama
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama for running an "inspirational campaign", and said he is looking forward to working with him.
Brown Praises President-Elect Obama
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama for running an "inspirational campaign", and said he is looking forward to working with him.
25 May 2011
PM And President Obama 'Strengthen Collaboration'
As part of his state visit to the UK, President Obama has arrived at Downing Street to meet with the Prime Minister. During the three-day long visit to the UK, the President and First Lady have met with the Royal family at Buckingham Palace and received a ceremonial welcome, before visiting Westminster Abbey.
PM And President Obama 'Strengthen Collaboration'
As part of his state visit to the UK, President Obama has arrived at Downing Street to meet with the Prime Minister. During the three-day long visit to the UK, the President and First Lady have met with the Royal family at Buckingham Palace and received a ceremonial welcome, before visiting Westminster Abbey.
28 June 2010
UK/US 'Special Relationship' Valued
US President Barack Obama has said that the US "deeply values" the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK as he and Prime Minister David Cameron had their first one-on-one meeting yesterday.
UK/US 'Special Relationship' Valued
US President Barack Obama has said that the US "deeply values" the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK as he and Prime Minister David Cameron had their first one-on-one meeting yesterday.
07 April 2014
Tánaiste Begins UK Visit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, together with Ms Carol Hanney, will accompany President Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins on the State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8-11 April.
Tánaiste Begins UK Visit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, together with Ms Carol Hanney, will accompany President Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins on the State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8-11 April.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
