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Brown and Bush in talks at No 10 Brown and Bush in talks at No 10
(20 minutes later)
US President George Bush has met Prime Minister Gordon Brown for formal talks at Downing Street, on the second day of his two-day visit to the UK.US President George Bush has met Prime Minister Gordon Brown for formal talks at Downing Street, on the second day of his two-day visit to the UK.
The two discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices. They are currently holding a press conference.The two discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices. They are currently holding a press conference.
President Bush arrived at No 10 after breakfast talks with ex-prime minister Tony Blair, now a Middle East envoy.President Bush arrived at No 10 after breakfast talks with ex-prime minister Tony Blair, now a Middle East envoy.
The trip is part of Mr Bush's final European tour before he leaves office.The trip is part of Mr Bush's final European tour before he leaves office.
Iran's nuclear ambitionsIran's nuclear ambitions
President Bush and Mr Brown discussed what action could be taken on the global economy, including rising fuel and food prices and the credit crunch.President Bush and Mr Brown discussed what action could be taken on the global economy, including rising fuel and food prices and the credit crunch.
Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing at the start of the press conference that there would be an increase in British troop numbers.Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing at the start of the press conference that there would be an increase in British troop numbers.
I have absolutely no problem how Gordon Brown is managing the Iraqi effort President BushI have absolutely no problem how Gordon Brown is managing the Iraqi effort President Bush
UK Defence Secretary Des Browne will make a Commons statement giving details of the changes at 1530 BST - it is expected that that more specialist personnel are to be deployed there.UK Defence Secretary Des Browne will make a Commons statement giving details of the changes at 1530 BST - it is expected that that more specialist personnel are to be deployed there.
Mr Brown described the US president as a "true friend of Britain".
President Bush praised Mr Brown for being "tough on terror" and said it was in "all our interests" to help people in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"You have been strong in Afghanistan and Iraq, and I appreciate it," he told Mr Brown.
He also thanked the prime minister for strong words on Iran and Zimbabwe - Mr Brown had said Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe must not be allowed to "steal" the election.
And he dismissed reports of a split between the UK and US on troop numbers in Iraq as "typical". "He's left more troops in Iraq than initially anticipated and like me, we will be making our decisions based on conditions on the ground ... without an artificial timetable."
After the press conference in Downing Street, Mr Bush and Mr Brown will travel to Stormont, Belfast, for talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy, Martin McGuinness.After the press conference in Downing Street, Mr Bush and Mr Brown will travel to Stormont, Belfast, for talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy, Martin McGuinness.
On Sunday Mr Bush and his wife, Laura, dined with Mr Brown and his wife, Sarah, at Downing Street, alongside about 20 guests, including three leading British historians.On Sunday Mr Bush and his wife, Laura, dined with Mr Brown and his wife, Sarah, at Downing Street, alongside about 20 guests, including three leading British historians.
Windsor CastleWindsor Castle
Earlier, Mr Bush told Sky News he was sorry "innocent civilians" had died in Iraq, but said that he was still certain the invasion was the right thing to do.
HAVE YOUR SAYHistory will remember Bush for what he is - The worst president in American History! His visit to the EU is merely a last ditch effort, coordinated by Cheney and Rove, to try to salvage what is left of his term. Anon, USASend us your comments
He also downplayed suggestions of disagreement between Britain and the US on Iraq - although he appeared to hint that the two had not always communicated as they should have done on the issue of troop numbers.
The "worst thing" allies can do is not communicate about plans and desires, he said, before adding: "I have absolutely no problem how Gordon Brown is managing the Iraqi effort."
The president's arrival in London was met by several hundred protesters who gathered in Parliament Square. There were a number of scuffles as police officers tried to prevent a march to Downing Street.The president's arrival in London was met by several hundred protesters who gathered in Parliament Square. There were a number of scuffles as police officers tried to prevent a march to Downing Street.
HAVE YOUR SAYUnless he comes on bended knees begging for forgiveness, I don't think it will achieve very much - just wasting more of the US taxpayer’s money.Jon, SwitzerlandSend us your comments
The police said at least 10 officers received minor injuries and 25 people were arrested - three people have since been charged.The police said at least 10 officers received minor injuries and 25 people were arrested - three people have since been charged.
On Sunday Mr Bush and his wife Laura also had a 45-minute tea meeting with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle. billed as a "private and informal" visit between "old friends".On Sunday Mr Bush and his wife Laura also had a 45-minute tea meeting with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle. billed as a "private and informal" visit between "old friends".
Protesters clashed with police in WhitehallProtesters clashed with police in Whitehall