London, Nov 11: Prime Minister Tony Blair has conceded that US President George W Bush's upcoming visit to Britain would spark protests, but he defended the US-led coalition's efforts to bring democracy to Iraq. Blair, who is Washington's closest ally in the war on terror, said he accepted that many people were opposed to the war, but insisted they must now support attempts to restore stability and order to the country. "In eight days time, President Bush makes his state visit to the United Kingdom," Blair said in a Foreign Policy speech at the Lord Mayor of London's annual banquet. "For many the script of this visit has already been written. There will be demonstrations. His friends wonder at the timing, his enemies rub their hands at what they see as the potential embarrassment. I believe this is exactly the right time for the president of the United States to come." Bush and his wife, Laura, will be the guests of Queen Elizabeth II and will stay at Buckingham palace during their Nov. 19-21 visit.

Bureau Report