stressing the importance of the west links with britain and its european allies. >> the president was greeted with top honors at westminster hall in the british houses of parliament. his appearance is a symbol of the country's close ties. >> i have come here today to reaffirm one of the oldest, one of the strongest alliances the world has ever known. >> he said the alliance is especially vital during this time of volatile change, when nations like china, india, and brazil are growing in influence. >> perhaps, the argument goes, these nations represent the future. and the time for our leadership has passed. that argument is wrong. the time for our leadership is now. >> obama emphasized the world that the west plays and must