Bono appears at Conservative conference

U2 frontman Bono gave a video message at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester earlier today.

The singer's surprise address to the hall featured the Irish star speaking about the party's commitment to international development. However, the musician did not make any comment of endorsement for the party.

The popstar was introduced by deputy leader William Hague, who joked that Bono is someone "you don't normally hear from at Conservative conferences".

"Hello there, if you can swallow an Irish man saying what's great about Great Britain, indulge me for a minute," he said. "Because what's happened over the last few years in Britain's relationship with the developing world has been so inspiring to me.

"It's a brave thing, keeping Britain's aid promise to the developing world, but it is the right thing to do and it is what's great about Great Britain."

Last week, Bono appeared via video to introduce Gordon Brown's speech at the Labour conference in Brighton. In 2004, he arrived on stage with Labour leaders Tony Blair and Brown, comparing them to John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney.