HL Deb 18 November 2003 vol 654 cc1855-7

3.10 p.m.

Lord Corbett of Castle Valeasked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have held with the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police concerning security arrangements for the state visit of the President of the United States.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

My Lords, given the Home Secretary's responsibility for policing and security issues, he has of course had a number of briefings by senior officers of the Metropolitan Police on the security operation for the state visit. Senior officers have also had discussions with other relevant government departments and organisations including the Mayor of London.

Lord Corbett of Castle Vale

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that response. Now that those protesting about a range of American policies have pledged to do so peacefully, is she satisfied that the Metropolitan Police will not impede demonstrators getting their views across to both the president and the public? Is she able to join those of us demonstrating against the illegal duties that the US has put on imported steel, which put at risk jobs both here and in the rest of Europe?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, the answer to my noble friend's first question is, "Yes". We are satisfied that appropriate provision will be made to enable people to protest peacefully if that is their desire. Secondly, I am happy to reiterate that the World Trade Organisation has made clear that the United States steel safeguard measures are inconsistent with the WTO rules and must be lifted. We have urged the US Administration to make it clear that they will comply with the WTO decision. The alternative is that the EU countermeasures—additional tariffs on US goods to a value of 2.4 billion euros—will come into effect as early as 6th December.

Viscount Bridgeman

My Lords, does the Minister agree that despite the stridency of the legitimate protests, the tolerance of which this country can be proud, there exists in the United Kingdom a vast reservoir of people who will wish to welcome with courtesy and good will the head of state of a country with which this country has such close ties?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, I absolutely agree with the noble Lord's statement. The relationship between ourselves and the United States is a very longstanding and deep one and prevails irrespective of the administration in being at any given time.

Lord Avebury

My Lords, did not President Bush himself say that he was delighted to visit a country where people still enjoyed the right to demonstrate? Will the noble Baroness confirm that when they demonstrated previously against the Iraq war, 1.5 million people were on the streets and not a single one was arrested for any offence connected with public order? In the light of those facts, does she not think that it would be useful to vary President Bush's arrangements so that he could have an opportunity to watch the demonstration?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, first, I join in the noble Lord's delight that we can demonstrate. I can certainly agree with his statement regarding the president's own views. I can also say that the president will have adequate opportunity to be delighted in the way that the noble Lord indicates.

Lord Hylton

My Lords, I declare an interest as a council tax payer in London. Can the noble Baroness confirm that the extra cost of policing will not simply be loaded on to Greater London but will be accepted as a national responsibility?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, I can certainly reassure the noble Lord, first, that the Metropolitan Police are well funded for policing major events such as this. If, however, this went substantially over what they can afford, there are mechanisms for forces to be able to apply to the Home Office for a special grant to cover difficult-to-meet costs.

Lord Imbert

My Lords, does the Minister agree that there seems to be a misunderstanding about the role of the Metropolitan Police in restricting some demonstrations and marches? The restrictions are being imposed not because of President Bush's visit— they are not anti- or pro-President Bush—but because of the Sessional Order that ensures that Members of Parliament and Members of your Lordships' House can attend Parliament to carry out the democratic process.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, as a former commissioner the noble Lord has particular experience of this matter. I am certainly delighted to confirm that what he says is, as so often, absolutely correct.

Lord Berkeley

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that a structure which has many similarities to the Field of the Cloth of Gold has been erected in front of Buckingham Palace. Do the two leaders see some significance in that?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, other than saying doubtless it is a thing of beauty, I have no comment to make.

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