PM 'taking sides in US election'

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Writing in the Parliamentary Monitor, Mr Brown said the Democrats were the party in America who were developing ideas to help people through the current economic difficulties.

He cited one of Mr Obama's proposals to help families facing repossession.

He did not mention Republican candidate John McCain.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said the Prime Minister should not do anything which suggests he is taking sides, as he will have to work with whichever candidate wins November's election. He called on Mr Brown to explain why he "appeared to be favouring the Democrats".

In his article, Mr Brown said that around the world it was "progressive" politicians who were grappling with the challenges of rising food and oil prices and the changes wrought by globalisation.

He added: "In the electrifying US presidential campaign, it is the Democrats who are generating the ideas to help people through more difficult times.

"To help prevent people from losing their home, Barack Obama has proposed a Foreclosure Prevention Fund to increase emergency pre-foreclosure counselling, and help families facing repossession."

Mr Hague said: "A responsible British Prime Minister needs to be ready to work with either presidential candidate after the US election, and should neither take sides nor be seen to be taking sides.

"Gordon Brown needs to make clear why he appeared to be favouring the Democrats in this article and to explain whether this was his deliberate intention or a careless mistake."