Obama reaffirms special relationship in Westminster speech

• President Obama addresses the British Parliament at Westminster Hall in London today. Picture: PA

The special relationship was founded not only on shared history and language but on common values and beliefs, he said.

Mr Obama is the first US president to be granted the rare honour of speaking to both Houses in the historic Westminster Hall, previously accorded only to a handful of eminent figures like Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle and the Pope.

Among his audience were not only Prime Minister David Cameron and throngs of MPs and peers from all parties, but also former PMs Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Sir John Major.

Speaking on the second full day of his state visit to the UK, shortly after talks with Mr Cameron at 10 Downing Street, Mr Obama told MPs and peers: "Our relationship is special because of values and beliefs that have united our people through the ages."

Mr Obama said he had known "few greater honours" than being invited to address "the mother of Parliaments" in the 900-year-old Westminster Hall.

Noting that previous speakers included the Pope, the Queen and Nelson Mandela, he won prolonged laughter by adding that the list was "either a very high bar or the beginning of a very good joke".

He was welcomed on stage "as our friend and as a statesman" by Commons Speaker John Bercow, who told him: "History is not the burden of any one man or woman alone, but some are called to meet a special share of its challenges. It is a duty that you discharge with a dignity, determination and distinction that are widely admired."

Mr Obama said the special relationship was "often analysed and over-analysed for the slightest hint of stress or strain", but joked that after "getting off on the wrong foot" with the Boston Tea Party, the War of Independence and the British burning of the White House in 1812, "it has been smooth sailing ever since".

And he said: "The reason for this close friendship doesn't just have to do with our shared history, our shared heritage, our ties of language and culture, or even the strong partnership between our governments.

"Our relationship is special because of values and beliefs that have united our people through the ages."

While her husband was speaking in London, Michelle Obama visited Oxford University, where she revealed that she did not know that he would one day be US president but had always "thought he would be useful".

In a meeting with pupils from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school at Oxford University's Christ Church college, the US First Lady was asked if she thought Mr Obama would "achieve great things".

To laughter from the girls, she replied: "Absolutely not", before adding: "I'm kidding."

"Honestly, when I met him I knew he was special. I'm sharing secrets here. I knew he was a special person and it had nothing to do with his education, nothing to do with his potential.