Tonight:
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Brown congratulates President-elect
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Gordon Brown has congratulated Barack Obama on his election and said they would work together to get Britain and the US out of the economic downturn.
"I have just sent my warmest congratulations to Senator Obama on his election as president of the United States of America and I have also sent my best wishes to Michelle and his family," the Prime Minister said.
"This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written."
Speaking from No 10, Mr Brown said: "I have talked to Senator Obama on many occasions and I know that he is a true friend of Britain. I know that the values we share in common and the policies we work on together will enable us, these two countries, to come through these difficult economic times and build a safer and more secure society for the future."
Mr Brown, who had refused to single out any candidate for endorsement in the presidential contest, said Mr Obama shared his desire to "bring the world together". "I think people in difficult times are looking for the best progressive policies to take us through these difficult times," the Premier said.
"I think what we and Senator Obama and his policies have in common is that we want to help hard-working families through this difficult economic time.
"We want to stabilise the financial system for the future and we want all countries to work together as Senator Obama wants to do, so that we can make for a better future, not just for our countries but for the rest of the world. I believe that Senator Obama and I share those views and, as president-elect and then president, I'm looking forward to working very closely with him."
Conservative leader David Cameron joined the Prime Minister in welcoming Barack Obama's US presidential election victory - but then clashed with him on the need for "change" in Britain.
Mr Cameron congratulated Mr Obama on his "stunning victory" but insisted Mr Brown, in contrast, could not provide "the change people want" in this country.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also congratulated Mr Obama and welcomed the result. Mr Clegg said: "British voters may not have been able to vote in this election, but its outcome is vital to our future. Climate change, the global economy, and threats to our collective security now demand a radical new approach by Barack Obama, leaving the Bush era firmly behind."
