Menu
30/10/2007
Saudi King Meets the Queen
The Queen has ceremonially welcomed Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah to Britain as controversy continues to grow around the Middle Eastern ruler's visit.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh greeted the Saudi King on Horseguards Parade.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Minister for the Middle East Kim Howells joined dignitaries to welcome the king who arrived at the central London parade ground with the Prince of Wales.
King Abdullah shook hands with the Queen and also with the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair.
However, human rights protestors and anti-arms trade activists were also among the crowds at The Mall and they jeered and shouted as the Royal procession passed.
King Abdullah's visit is the first time that a Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
He sparked controversy during a BBC interview ahead of his visit when he accused Britain of not doing enough to fight international terrorism and accused the UK of failing to act on information provided by the Saudis, which he said could have prevented the London bombings in July 2005: a claim that has been strenuously denied by Downing Street.
Vince Cable, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, announced on Monday that he would be boycotting the king's visit, citing the country's human rights record, as well as alleged corruption in the Al Yamamah arms contract, signed with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
(KMcA)
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh greeted the Saudi King on Horseguards Parade.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Minister for the Middle East Kim Howells joined dignitaries to welcome the king who arrived at the central London parade ground with the Prince of Wales.
King Abdullah shook hands with the Queen and also with the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair.
However, human rights protestors and anti-arms trade activists were also among the crowds at The Mall and they jeered and shouted as the Royal procession passed.
King Abdullah's visit is the first time that a Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
He sparked controversy during a BBC interview ahead of his visit when he accused Britain of not doing enough to fight international terrorism and accused the UK of failing to act on information provided by the Saudis, which he said could have prevented the London bombings in July 2005: a claim that has been strenuously denied by Downing Street.
Vince Cable, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, announced on Monday that he would be boycotting the king's visit, citing the country's human rights record, as well as alleged corruption in the Al Yamamah arms contract, signed with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 October 2007
Saudi King's Visit Sparks Controversy
A visit by to the UK by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is causing controversy. King Abdullah is due to arrive in the UK on Monday afternoon and his visit is due to begin formally on Tuesday. This is the first time that as Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
Saudi King's Visit Sparks Controversy
A visit by to the UK by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is causing controversy. King Abdullah is due to arrive in the UK on Monday afternoon and his visit is due to begin formally on Tuesday. This is the first time that as Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
19 January 2009
RAF Hercules Airlifts Premature Newborn Twins
Twins born prematurely have been airlifted by an RAF Hercules aircraft from the Outer Hebrides to a hospital on the Scottish mainland, in an emergency rescue operation. The mother of the babies went into labour at 27 weeks and gave birth in hospital in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on Sunday.
RAF Hercules Airlifts Premature Newborn Twins
Twins born prematurely have been airlifted by an RAF Hercules aircraft from the Outer Hebrides to a hospital on the Scottish mainland, in an emergency rescue operation. The mother of the babies went into labour at 27 weeks and gave birth in hospital in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on Sunday.
06 June 2008
Boy Found Hanged By Grandmother
A young boy has been found hanged at his Lancashire home. Eight-year-old Joshua Aldred was found unconscious in his bedroom by his grandmother in Lytham on Thursday evening. He was admitted to Blackpool hospital but was pronounced dead after attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Boy Found Hanged By Grandmother
A young boy has been found hanged at his Lancashire home. Eight-year-old Joshua Aldred was found unconscious in his bedroom by his grandmother in Lytham on Thursday evening. He was admitted to Blackpool hospital but was pronounced dead after attempts to resuscitate him failed.
05 March 2007
Camilla recovering after hysterectomy
The Duchess of Cornwall is said to be "recovering well" following a hysterectomy operation. Camilla, 59, checked into the exclusive King Edward VII Hospital for the planned operation on Monday. The Duchess recently undertook a ten-day tour of the Gulf with the Prince of Wales, returning to the UK a few days ago.
Camilla recovering after hysterectomy
The Duchess of Cornwall is said to be "recovering well" following a hysterectomy operation. Camilla, 59, checked into the exclusive King Edward VII Hospital for the planned operation on Monday. The Duchess recently undertook a ten-day tour of the Gulf with the Prince of Wales, returning to the UK a few days ago.
18 May 2004
Rescuer injured as helicopter strikes mountainside
A member of a civilian mountain rescue team is being treated for injuries received after he fell from a search and rescue helicopter that struck a mountainside in the Lake District. The man is reported to have sustained serious injuries when he fell some 40 feet from the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter.
Rescuer injured as helicopter strikes mountainside
A member of a civilian mountain rescue team is being treated for injuries received after he fell from a search and rescue helicopter that struck a mountainside in the Lake District. The man is reported to have sustained serious injuries when he fell some 40 feet from the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
