| Bush requests not be embarrassed by protests Original Source Link: (May no longer be active) http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2169813http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2169813
5:41pm (UK) Bush 'Will Not Be Saved from War Protest Embarrassment'
By Helen William, PA News
Scotland Yard today declared that it has “no intention” of saving US President George Bush from the “embarrassment” of seeing anti-war protesters during his State visit next week.
With London remaining on a high security alert, the aim during the November 18-21 trip will be to balance public order problems and security issues, said Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Trotter.
He estimated that “tens of thousands” of protesters could take to the streets and the numbers could be swelled by protesters travelling from Europe.
But despite the enormous security operation surrounding the president, involving armed US agents, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stephens remains “in charge of policing in London and will be in command of security with this visit”.
Denying there had been pressure from Downing Street, Buckingham Palace or the US on the style of policing this visit, Mr Trotter who is in charge of territorial policing said: “It is our intention to facilitate lawful protest.
“There is no intention to spare anyone’s embarrassment. It is not part of our policing plan. We will do what’s necessary to balance security.
“We must really be aware of the security threat against London which has been high for some considerable time. It is a high profile visit and we must take measures to ensure it goes on safely.
“There will be no intention from us to spare anyone’s embarrassment and we have been under no pressure whatsoever to do so.”
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