Brown highlights battles against poverty and terror

The struggles of the 21st century are “battles that engage military might” as well as ideas, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today.

He said it was the job of politicians to “expose the contrast” between tackling global poverty and “the evils of terrorists who would bomb and maim”.

The Prime Minister’s comments came in an article for The Washington Post on the second day of his first visit to America since taking over at No 10.

Mr Brown was today having detailed talks with President George Bush, along with Foreign Secretary David Miliband and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, which he hopes will focus on giving fresh impetus to world trade talks as well as discussing how to halve the bloodshed in Darfur.

The two leaders will also discuss a wide range of issues, including Iraq and Iran, climate change and the Middle East peace process before hosting a joint news conference this afternoon.

Last night at Camp David the two had 90 minutes of talks with officials before going into a private dinner at the presidential retreat.

Mr Brown had been at pains to point out he wants to strengthen, not weaken, Britain’s ties with the US following Tony Blair’s decision to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with America after September 11.

In his Washington Post article today, Mr Brown said: “It is our shared task to expose terrorism for what it is – not a cause but a crime. A crime against humanity.

“All of us must be vigilant in our determination to prevent attacks and defeat the forces of terrorism. And it is the values we share that make us best placed to succeed.

“So today the struggles of the 21st century are the battles that engage military might which we have been fighting together in Iraq and Afghanistan and through Nato – and they are also the battles of ideas.

After his press conference this afternoon and lunch with President Bush Mr Brown will travel to Capitol Hill for cross party talks with leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives, including senate majority leader Harry Reid and House speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Mr Brown is expected to follow his Washington talks with a meeting in New York with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and a speech on international relations.