Bush defies critics on UK visit
BBC News.com, November 19, 2003

US President George W Bush has carried out his first day of engagements in Britain despite protesters on the streets and a row over royal security.
The president, the first to be afforded a state visit, met the Queen at Buckingham Palace before giving a keynote speech at Banqueting House.

He used this to mount an impassioned defence of the war on Iraq.

Meanwhile an investigation was launched after a journalist posed as a footman in the palace where Mr Bush is staying.

... Earlier in the day, it emerged that a journalist from the Daily Mirror, Ryan Parry, had applied for and got a job as a servant in Buckingham Palace.

Home Secretary David Blunkett announced a review of security at the palace when it became apparent the undercover reporter had used a false reference.

Mr Blunkett told the House of Commons that the Security Commission would conduct a thorough investigation.

He said employment checks on the man were "insufficient" but appropriate criminal checks were carried out. [...more]

- posted by ARYABHATT @ 5:58 pm