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Big Brother's Shilpa to thank PM Big Brother's Shilpa thanks Blair
(10 minutes later)
Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty is to thank Tony Blair for his support during her visit to London's House of Commons. Big Brother's Shilpa Shetty thanked Tony Blair for his support, while visiting the Houses of Parliament.
The Bollywood actress watched prime minister's questions and is expected to meet him briefly afterwards. The Bollywood actress arrived with her mother to watch prime minister's questions and met Mr Blair afterwards.
Ms Shetty is visiting Parliament in the wake of a media storm about alleged racist bullying on the show. She was invited by Labour MP Keith Vaz, who was among those who criticised the TV show after Ms Shetty's treatment by other contestants caused a race row.
She said it would be a great honour to meet Mr Blair, adding: "I want to thank him for his solidarity and his support towards me and my country." Ms Shetty said she wanted to thank Mr Blair for "his solidarity and his support towards me and my country".
Labour MP Keith Vaz, who tabled a Commons motion criticising the show, invited Ms Shetty to visit. Arriving at Parliament she was greeted by a media scrum, including 23 reporters from India, and the chimes of Big Ben.
Arriving at Parliament with her mother she was greeted by a media scrum, including 23 reporters from India, and the chimes of Big Ben. 'An honour'
The scale of media interest in her appearance led to a planned press conference having to be moved from the room initially earmarked for the purpose in Parliament.
She and her mother were given a traditional Indian garland and posed for pictures.
"To see how so much respect has been bestowed upon me has truly been an honour," she said.
The actress won Celebrity Big Brother, following clashes with housemates Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd who were accused of bullying and racism - something all three denied.
I am delighted Shilpa accepted my invitation. I know she will get a very warm reception Keith Vaz Brown seeks to calm row MPs enter Big Brother rowI am delighted Shilpa accepted my invitation. I know she will get a very warm reception Keith Vaz Brown seeks to calm row MPs enter Big Brother row
Later she will have lunch with Home Secretary John Reid, Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, Conservative MP Ed Vaisey, and Lib Dem Sarah Teather Media regulator Ofcom received more than 40,000 complaints from viewers.
Her treatment on the show prompted an international furore, dominating media coverage of Gordon Brown's India trip. And the row reached both the House of Commons and India, where chancellor Gordon Brown found media coverage of his attempt to boost bilateral relations overshadowed by the programme's fall-out.
Ms Shetty herself has said she did not think her fellow contestants were racist, although she agreed she had been bullied. Mr Brown was repeatedly asked about the programme during his trip, responding: "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything detracting from this I condemn."
But there were more than 40,000 complaints to Ofcom about her treatment and the chancellor was forced to make public statements about it during a visit to India. 'Oppose racism'
Mr Vaz raised the issue of Ms Shetty's treatment in an Early Day Motion and at Prime Minister's Questions, calling on Channel 4 bosses to take "effective action" against "unacceptable" language. When Mr Blair was asked about the row in the Commons, he admitted he had not seen the programme, but added: "Of course, I would agree entirely with the principle that we should oppose racism in all its forms."
Ms Shetty has said she does not believe her fellow contestants were being racist, but that their remarks had stemmed from jealousy, or a "lack of education".
The PM wouldn't want to try his hand in another 'House', would he? BBC political editor Nick Robinson Read Nick's thoughts in fullThe PM wouldn't want to try his hand in another 'House', would he? BBC political editor Nick Robinson Read Nick's thoughts in full
Mr Vaz said: "I am delighted Shilpa accepted my invitation. I know she will get a very warm reception." She had said earlier it would be a great honour to meet Mr Blair, adding: "I want to thank him for his solidarity and his support towards me and my country."
"MPs will be pleased to hear about all the excellent charitable works she is supporting in order to combat Aids in India." She is currently having lunch with Home Secretary John Reid, Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, Conservative MP Ed Vaisey, and Lib Dem Sarah Teather.
The actress will visit Leicester later, where Mr Vaz is MP, to launch a charitable foundation and meet fans at a community centre. Mr Vaz raised the issue of Ms Shetty's treatment in an Early Day Motion and at Prime Minister's Questions, calling on Channel 4 bosses to take "effective action" against "unacceptable" language.