Gordon Brown wins Nobel Peace Prize

As was widely expected, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize ahead of the London G20 summit:

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to Gordon Brown for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three weeks, to resolve the international financial crisis. These efforts have contributed to a more peaceful world and to "fraternity between nations" in Alfred Nobel's spirit.

Throughout all his adult life, whether as a senior British public servant and Prime Minister or in an international capacity, Brown has worked for fiscal prudence and stability. For the past twenty days, he has figured prominently in endeavours to resolve several serious and sudden financial crises. In 1997 he played a significant part in the establishment of the Bank of England’s independence; in 2009 he and his organization New Labour (NuLab) were central to the solution of the complicated global “WTF” question in the run up to the London G20 summit. Last week and again yesterday, he sought under especially difficult circumstances to find a solution to the the world’s economic crisis. In 2008 Brown played a key role in finding a peaceful conclusion to the problems in Iraq. He has also made constructive contributions to the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and in the Scottish Parliament.

Although the parties themselves have the main responsibility for avoiding economic recessions and financial crises, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has on several occasions awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to mediators in international politics. Today Brown is an outstanding international mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of international financial disasters. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his achievements.

The Archblogger of Westminster, the Most Relevant and Right Hyperlinkable Iain Dale, has welcomed the news:

“I like to think I’m big enough to put party politics aside for a moment in order to congratulate Gordon and aknowledge his successes in restoring public faith in our political and financial institutions. I may not agree with all of his policies but it would be churlish of me not to admit that he is both a great statesman and a great Prime Minister.”

In the PM’s native Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond has declared a national holiday to mark the occasion in celebration of Caledonia’s favourite son.

Meanwhile US President Barack Obama has announced that Camp David will be renamed Camp Gordon in the Prime Minister’s honour.