GUILDFORD MP CALLS ON PRESIDENT BUSH TO LISTEN TO THE BRITISH PEOPLE

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Nov 2003

Commenting on the visit of President Bush to London, Guildford MP, Sue Doughty, said:

"It is a surprising decision by the Prime Minister to allow a state visit by perhaps the most unpopular US President ever in Britain. While Blair stands shoulder to shoulder with Bush for his election campaign snaps, many of my constituents will be out protesting.

"As an opponent of the invasion of Iraq and the militaristic approach to foreign policy that the Bush regime has taken, I can understand why many people are strongly opposed to the President's visit. But as the visit begins, we must not waste this opportunity to ensure that the President, the gathering American media and the American people listen to British peoples concerns. It will be a rare opportunity for them to hear alternative views to the narrow consensus of the American networks and press."

During his visit, President Bush will meet with the Liberal Democrat Leader, the Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP.

"Charles Kennedy will speak for the millions of people with grave concerns about the war in Iraq and its tragic aftermath that the Prime Minister and the Conservatives have ignored. I have written to Charles to ask that he also raises the role the US must take in ensuring that Israel respects international law in the occupied territories."