The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, told the House of Commons yesterday morning that welcoming President Bush to Britain was in the best interests of the country, as was the relationship between the two countries.
He was joined by the new Conservative leader, Mr Michael Howard, who praised Mr Blair's close relationship with the president which he said was in the interests of the whole world.
"I'm sure everybody who has the best interests of this country at heart recognises that the strength of the alliance between this country and the USA is important for world peace, world security and the future of both our countries," said Mr Howard.
But he then asked Mr Blair: "How then can you support as your party's candidate for Mayor for London someone who said this week the President is 'the greatest threat to life on this planet that we've most probably ever seen'?"
Mr Blair responded: "You can't actually get to your feet and say it's a good thing the President is here and the alliance is good for our country without trying to make mischief out of it."
Mr Blair said he recognised there were those opposed to the President's actions, particularly in Iraq, but he was not one of them. He said he hoped the US would abide by the World Trade Organisation's ruling that its tariffs on steel imports were illegal and confirmed he would raise the subject with Mr Bush.
The Prime Minister said that Britain and the US were working very closely to enable Iraqis to govern themselves again by the middle of next year.