Brown dramatically blames US for world banking crisis

London, Oct 1 : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has blamed America for the world banking crisis, and said it had a duty to fix it.

Brown said the financial turmoil engulfing Britain started in the US and must be resolved there.

He left American politicians in no doubt they must come to their senses tomorrow and back a rescue deal for their banks, The Sun reported.

Brown summoned TV cameras to Downing Street in a bid to calm British nerves over the financial meltdown spreading around the world. But his broadside at US politicians will shock many in Washington.

In a swipe at Republicans who scuppered a rescue plan on Monday, he told Sky News: "I'm confident that reason will prevail. Reason must prevail and I think reason will prevail.

"This problem started in America. They have got to sort it out. The Americans have a responsibility to the rest of the world. We took measures in Britain necessary to put confidence in the system. When there has been a problem we have dealt with it," he said.

Brown assured that Britain would survive the biggest financial disaster in a century. He said it was time for Brits "to roll up our sleeves", saying: "I have a great deal of confidence in the energy and initiative in the British people.

"I'm confident about the future of Britain. We have done what is necessary. We will continue to take decisive action. Nobody should be in any doubt that we will do whatever it takes," he added.

Brown has hired outside consultants to help him draw up an emergency economic rescue plan, it was reported last night.

He will listen to bankers UBS and NM Rothschild - independent of advice from Chancellor Alistair Darling.

Meanwhile the Banking Reform Bill is set to go through Parliament next week - with Tory support. It will guarantee that customers' savings of up to 50,000 pounds will be protected if a bank collapses.

ANI