President Obama has told British politicians that the time for the US and Europe to take the

lead "is now" despite the rise of other powers.

He said speaking to the British parliament on the second day of his state visit that the influence
of the US, UK and allies would remain "irreplaceable".
But it will face challenges "with the times" to reflect the growing economy, security and
challenges.
Obama is the first US president to speak before members of the lower and upper houses of the
British parliament.
Senior British politicians and other dignitaries were present in the historic 900-year-old
Westminster Hall, which is part of the British parliament.
British Parliament
PICTURE SOURCES, OTHER
Caption,
The British parliament building on the banks of the river Thames, 170 years old
Hear Obama about the history of UK-US relations and about shared values, and explain some of
the challenges the world will face.
The former prime ministers of Britain, namely Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown sat
side by side in the crowded room, which is the oldest part of the parliament building.
The 35-minute speech was heard in silence.
Beginning his speech, Obama joked that with such an "active media corps", relations between
the UK and the US were always discussed "too much".
But he added, "There are some countries that may feel they are standing stronger, speaking out
louder and fighting harder to defend democratic values in the world than the United States and
Britain."
'New stage'
He said the two countries had "arrived at an important moment once again" following the
global recession and years of conflict.
With operations in Iran winding down, progress in Afghanistan and after "beating al-Qaeda by
killing its leader Osama bin Laden", President Obama said it was time to enter "a new chapter in
our shared history" with new challenges as well.
He rejected the argument that the rise of superpowers like China and India meant the end of
American and European influence in the world.
"Perhaps, the argument goes, these countries reflect the future and the era of our leadership
has passed. That argument is wrong. The era of our leadership is now," Obama said.