British police says it will not shield Bush from protests: paper

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, November 14, 2003

British police says it will not shield Bush from protests: paper

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The British police has decided that US President George W. Bush would not be shielded from "embarrassing" anti-war and anti-American protesters during his three-day state visit to Britain, the British Independent newspaper reported Thursday.

"Lawful demonstrations" would be allowed and "there will be no intention" to spare anyone's embarrassment, the paper quoted deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Andy Trotter, as saying.

"He (Bush) could quite easily come into contact with demonstrators," Trotter said.

However, the Metropolitan Police admitted that streets and several areas of central London would be closed to traffic during Bush's visit and that a protest march would be prevented from demonstrating along Whitehall and outside Parliament.

According to the police, an unprecedented security operation was being put into place to protect Bush, his wife Laura Bush and his entourage, during what it was believed to be the first state visit by a US president to Britain since British Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne 52 years ago.

About 5,000 police officers would be used to protect Bush from any possible terrorist attack or violent demonstration from anti-war protesters.

During trips from Buckingham Palace, Bush's cortege would be heavily protected by armed officers and his route would be closed to traffic and large-scale demonstrations, the paper added.

An estimated 100,000 people were expected to take part in a national anti-war march through London on Nov. 20.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Bush uses Saddam to justify Iraq occupation

Arabs wary of Bush's 'democracy' message

Al Qaida poses threat to Bush's visit to Britain: report

Is English invading Chinese culture? ( 20 Messages)

Chinese fleet visit heart of US forces in the Pacific ( 15 Messages)

Global survey: Chinese women sexiest ( 56 Messages)

Economist: China has no need to worry about possible trade deficits ( 3 Messages)

Japanese students, teacher make apology in Xi'an ( 17 Messages)

China expects to see trade deficit in near future: official ( 9 Messages)