Obama: We're off to London to visit the Queen

BARACK OBAMA set off on his historic journey to London today on a mission to save the global economy at the G20 summit of world leaders.

The President and his wife Michelle left Washington at about 1.30pm UK time for his first overseas trip since his inauguration.

Mr Obama and the First Lady boarded a helicopter waiting for them on the White House lawn which transported them to the Andrews air force base.

Mr Obama then boarded the presidential jet Air Force One for the journey across the Atlantic.

Mr Obama accompanied by a huge entourage, was due to land tonight at Stansted from where he will be taken by helicopter Marine One to the heavily-guarded US ambassador's residence in Regent's Park.

The eight-day, five country tour of Europe will begin in earnest for President Obama with a private meeting with Gordon Brown at 9am tomorrow. The afternoon has been reserved for a private audience with the Queen.

In a speech today the Prime Minister called on the banks to adopt "family values" in the wake of the collapse of over complex and misleading financial products.