LIVE BLOG: Barack Obama in the UK

After a day packed with official engagements, an historic speech and a barbecue, President Obama and wife Michelle will dine with the Queen at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

16.45: Barack Obama meets with Labour leader Ed Miliband.

16.20: President Obama ends his historic address: “As two of the most powerful nations in the history of the world… we must remember it is not our economic strength or our military power… it is our values…”

He adds “we have come through a difficult decade” and finishes with a quote from Winston Churchill: “In the long years to come, not only will the people of this island, but the world, say say do not despair, do not yield. March straight forward with courage and hope.”

More from Channel 4 News: Obama and Cameron hail US-UK 'working partnership'

Obama on Afghanistan: “We are now preparing to turn a corner in Afghanistan by transitioning to Afghan lead. During this transition, we will pursue a lasting peace with those who break free from al Qaeda and respect the Afghan Constitution and lay down arms.

The Pope, the Queen and Nelson Mandela…. it either sets a very high bar, or it’s the beginning of a very funny joke… Barack Obama

“And we will ensure that Afghanistan is never a safe-haven for terror – but is instead a country that is strong, sovereign, and able to stand on its own two feet.”

Obama on the Middle East: “History tells us that democracy is not easy. It will be years before these revolutions reach their conclusion, and there will be difficult days along the way.

Comment via Facebook: Nick Masson: Obama, the Queen, the Pope & Mandela walk into a pub. Something funny happens, and the whole scene unfolds with a tedious inevitability.

“Power rarely gives up without a fight – particularly in places where there are divisions of tribe and and divisions of sect. We also know that populism can take dangerous turns – from the extremism of those who would use democracy to deny minority rights, to the nationalism that left so many scars on this continent in the 20th century”

Cathy Newman tweets: Justice dept tells me: can't confirm Ken Clarke asleep, "it appears he may have been living the American dream" 

16.15: Justice Secretary Ken Clarke spotted… asleep (the same happened on Budget day). See for yourself here: Ken Clarke video

15.50: Obama says the UK and US “stand up for the values of toleration that lead to peace and dignity.”

15.40: In a historic address, President Obama speaks to MPs and members of the Lords at Westminster Hall. He begins by listing the last three offical speakers in the hall: “The Pope, the Queen and Nelson Mandela…. it either sets a very high bar, or it’s the beginning of a very funny joke…”

15.15: MPs and Lords assemble at Westminster Hall ahead of an address from President Obama. On the front row, former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major sit beside Deputy PM Nick Clegg and Prime Minister David Cameron.

(Pictured: Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, John Major, Nick Clegg and David Cameron sit together in Westminster Hall)

14.30: First Lady Michelle Obama tells schoolchildren she is “thrilled to be back” on a visit to Oxford University. Mrs Obama greeted pupils from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA) secondary school like old friends in the college’s dining room. She first met pupils from the north London secondary school two years ago when she paid them a surprise visit. Read more: Michelle Obama and school pupils visit Oxford

13.40: Obama answers several questions on the Middle East peace process. He concludes: “Hamas has not renounced violence… and as much as it’s important for the US to remind Israelis of the urgency of achieving peace, the Palestinians have obligations as well. Hamas, in its own description of its agenda, has not recognised the state of Israel. Until they do it is difficult to expect the Israelis to have a serious conversation.”

David Cameron adds that “neither side has the excuse to stand aside from talks”.

Comment via Facebook: Michael MacLeod Nice to see Cameron with his sleeves rolled up. Now get some real work done lads.

13.20: Obama talks extensively about Libya in his joint press conference with David Cameron. He says: “David and I both agree we cannot put boots on the ground in Libya.. ultimately this will be a slow, steady process. Our mission is to target regime forces in a way that doesn’t lead to collateral damage.”

Cameron also said Britain and the US must continue to work with Pakistan as their countries seek to stamp out terrorism. “Far from from walking away we’ve got to work even more closely with them”. Cameron agrees the “key things here” are “patience and persistence” and says the UN resolution cannot be achieved without Gaddafi’s exit.

13.00: David Cameron and Obama hold a joint press conference in the garden of Lancaster House. The PM describes a “special and essential” relationship between the two countries. He also congratulates the US President on the Osama bin Laden kill-mission. Mr Obama responds saying: “We may be leaders from different political traditions, but on a range of issues we see eye to eye.”

 'Brits love Obama as much as they hated Bush'
We asked YouGov to repeat a poll they did in November 2003 when President George W Bush was in town - to see how the numbers changed. It suggests that Brits love Obama as much as they hated Bush.

The 2003 poll suggested that 75 per cent polled had little or no confidence in President Bush. Today 72 per cent have a great deal or fair mount of confidence in President Obama. 

In today's poll, 81 per cent think President Obama is highly intelligent, back in 2003 17 per cent thought the US had got itself an highly intelligent president. You get the picture. 

More from Political Editor Gary Gibbon's blog:Cameron and Obama: in step on foreign policy?

12.00: In a sunny Downing Street garden, Cameron and Obama man the barbecue, serve up an Anglo-American menu of sausages, sweetcorn and burgers. No aprons!

10.40: Obama, Cameron and Clegg move to the Cabinet Room for talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials including Chancellor George Osborne and Home Secretary Theresa May.

10.20: Obama and Mr Cameron are joined by Nick Clegg. Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the US leader said: “Wonderful to see you.” Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said: “You’ve brought the sun today.”

10.15: Foreign Secretary William Hague and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed the two leaders into Number 10.

10.10: As about a dozen photographers takw pictures at the start of the meeting, the President jokes: “All right guys, one of those must have worked.”

More from Channel 4 News: Obama talks focus on Afghanistan and Libya

10.00: President Obama arrives at Downing Street. Mr Obama grins after making the short journey in Cadillac One – his bombproof limousine known as “The Beast” – from Buckingham Palace. The leaders greet each other with a handshake, Mr Obama pats the PM on the shoulder. The pair will discuss Libya, Afghanistan and global economic reform.

Obama holds UK talks with Cameron – add your voice

How important is Barack Obama's UK trip? What should be the focus of his talks with David Cameron? And more girl power from Michelle Obama, who is taking a group of north London schoolgirls to Oxford, but shouldn't it be SamCam getting on the minibus? Add your voice via the live blog window above or via Twitter @channel4news or at Facebook.com/Channel4News.