London (CNN) -- American and British leadership of the world remains "essential to the cause of human dignity," President Barack Obama said Wednesday, making a sweeping case for values including freedom and the free market in a speech to a joint session of the British Parliament. "We must act, and lead, with confidence in our ideals, and an abiding faith in the character of our people," Obama said, even while adding they will "proceed with humility, and the knowledge that we cannot dictate outcomes abroad." He argued that "the longing for freedom and human dignity" is "universal, and it beats in every heart."
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The United States and Britain will "stand with those who struggle," Obama says
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He strongly defends U.S. leadership and values in a major speech to Parliament
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Obama is in the middle of a two-day state visit to Britain blending pomp and politics
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Queen Elizabeth II hosted a state dinner for him, while David Cameron helped him serve burgers
On a less formal note, @placeholder also joined Cameron in playing table tennis against two students during a visit to a local school.