Post by Taxigirl on Nov 20, 2003 10:31:32 GMT
US President George Bush is due to hold talks with Tony Blair as a national rally against his visit goes ahead.
The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues including the Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay detainees and trade issues including steel tariffs.
Tens of thousands are expected at the protest march, which will skirt Downing Street on its way to Trafalgar Square.
Police said protests were good natured on the first day of Mr Bush's visit, with 31 arrests for minor offences.
But police are preparing for major disruption ahead of the main demonstration on Thursday. Roads will start to be closed from 1200 BST.
Security fears have been heightened by revelations in the Mirror that one of its journalists had got a job as a servant in Buckingham Palace, where Mr Bush is staying.
Home Secretary David Blunkett announced a review of security at the palace when it became apparent the undercover reporter had used a false reference.
Police are determined no mistakes will be made on Thursday, at the main Stop the War rally in central London or elsewhere.
Police braced
Marchers are due to gather from 1200 GMT, with the protest leaving Malet Street at 1445, wending its way to Trafalgar Square via Whitehall.
Organisers hope the rally, which will culminate in the toppling of an 18ft effigy of Mr Bush, will be Britain's largest weekday protest.
But police are bracing for smaller groups who are likely to try to break through security cordons and stage random acts of direct action, such as traffic sit-downs, to physically disrupt the visit.
In a separate demonstration, chained protesters dressed in orange boiler suits will be outside Downing Street demonstrating against the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell hinted on Wednesday that the nine Britons being held without trial or charge in Guantanamo Bay could be sent to the UK to face justice.
"We expect to be resolving this in the near future," Mr Powell said.
Low-key
After their talks, Mr Bush and Mr Blair will meet representatives from several African countries to discuss action against HIV/Aids.
The day is scheduled to be more low-key than the formal first day of the visit, which saw a 41-gun salute and lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
On Wednesday, Mr Bush made a foreign policy speech at Banqueting House praising the enduring friendship of the US and Britain.
He mounted an impassioned defence of the war on Iraq and the war on terror.
He outlined the importance of bringing reform and democracy to the Middle East.
And he talked of the peace and security of nations resting on "three pillars".
These were multi-lateral institutions; the willingness to use force to restrain aggression when these institutions failed; and the export of democracy throughout the world.
The Queen echoed Mr Bush's sentiment about the "special relationship" the US and UK shared.
"We share the confidence - and the courage - to try to make this a more prosperous, a safer and, above all, a freer world," she told VIP guests at a Buckingham Palace banquet in his honour.