David Ruffley MP was one of the few senior backbenchers to be introduced to President Obama today in Westminster Hall.

David Ruffley said: 'I was honoured that Mr Speaker Bercow took the trouble to interrupt the President's procession out of Westminster Hall following his speech to introduce me to the President- he had a very strong and warm handshake! I thought his speech was splendid because of its theme of the way Britain and America as allies had fought for freedom in two World Wars. He repeatedly came back to the Second World War and the Normandy landings which saw such a colossal sacrifice of British and American soldiers' lives.

This reminded me as an MP who represents Wattisham, home to the Apatche helicopter, and RAF Honnington that our Armed Forces in our county represent many things but above all they represent the fight for freedom in foreign lands and the defence of our realm. I was privileged to hear an immensely pro British speech from the most powerful man on earth, the President of the United States. On a personal level I shall certainly not forget shaking his hand after that speech. '