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Blair calls off royal parade after Iraq protest fears
London, Oct 19: Britain has scrapped plans for Queen Elizabeth II and US President George W Bush to take part in a triumphant London parade next month because of fears of angry protests over the war in Iraq, the Sunday Telegraph said.
London, Oct 19: Britain has scrapped plans for
Queen Elizabeth II and US President George W Bush to take
part in a triumphant London parade next month because of
fears of angry protests over the war in Iraq, the Sunday
Telegraph said.
A senior palace official told the newspaper that
detailed plans had been made for the procession which is
usually a high point of any state visit.
"But Downing Street, anxious about possible anti-war protests from the start, has now decided to pull the plug on it," the unnamed official was quoted as saying.
"We are liaising with the White House and they have made no attempt to hide their disappointment. They saw it, obviously, as a great photo opportunity," the source said.
Bush will instead travel by helicopter to avoid protesters on the road routes and will not address Parliament because of fears of a boycott by some lawmakers, the newspaper said.
According to newspaper reports, up to 250 armed police officers will protect the President during his visit on November 19-21.
Bush last visited Britain in early April, travelling to Northern Ireland for talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair as the US-led war to overthrow Saddam Hussein was raging.
Blair has been Bush's staunchest ally on Iraq, and is a regular visitor to Washington, most recently in July to address the US Congress and Senate.
Bureau Report
"But Downing Street, anxious about possible anti-war protests from the start, has now decided to pull the plug on it," the unnamed official was quoted as saying.
"We are liaising with the White House and they have made no attempt to hide their disappointment. They saw it, obviously, as a great photo opportunity," the source said.
Bush will instead travel by helicopter to avoid protesters on the road routes and will not address Parliament because of fears of a boycott by some lawmakers, the newspaper said.
According to newspaper reports, up to 250 armed police officers will protect the President during his visit on November 19-21.
Bush last visited Britain in early April, travelling to Northern Ireland for talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair as the US-led war to overthrow Saddam Hussein was raging.
Blair has been Bush's staunchest ally on Iraq, and is a regular visitor to Washington, most recently in July to address the US Congress and Senate.
Bureau Report