Protests begin in Britain as Bush flies in for state visit

The Associated PressLONDON -- Hundreds turned out for the first of a number of planned protests as President Bush came to London on Tuesday, and activists said their numbers were swelling for a march they hope will overshadow the pomp and ceremony of the state visit.

Police were gearing up for a major security operation during Bush's stay. The Stop the War coalition predicted 100,000 Britons will march past Parliament on Thursday, increasing its earlier estimate of 60,000.

"Our phones have not stopped ringing with calls from people wanting to show their opposition to the visit," said Lindsey German, one organizer. "Feelings are running very strongly and the more we are told that we should welcome the president, the more opposition grows."

Hundreds of environmentalists marched as Bush arrived Tuesday evening to protest his rejection of the Kyoto treaty on global warming. "Wanted for Crimes against the Planet," said their signs, which bore the president's picture.

In the Tate Modern art museum on the River Thames, about 80 people lay on the floor to spell "Bush Go Home" with their bodies.

A poll published Tuesday in The Guardian newspaper showed 43 percent of those questioned supported the visit, compared with 36 percent who said the president should not come. ICM interviewed 1,000 people between Friday and Sunday, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

The planned protests contrasted sharply with the warm reception Bill Clinton received on presidential trips to London.

Scotland Yard planned tight security for the visit, in addition to Bush's own Secret Service protection. The British Broadcasting Corp. reported sharpshooters were posted on the roof of Buckingham Palace, where Bush and his wife Laura are staying.

Between Buckingham Palace and Parliament, police maintained a beefed up but low-key presence.

In Sedgefield, the northeastern English town Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair will visit Friday, police used blowtorches to seal manholes and closed drains to secure the town.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who on Monday called Bush "the greatest threat to life on this planet that we've most probably ever seen," urged anti-Bush demonstrators to remain peaceful.

"You are protesting against an illegal war and occupation, and the world will be watching you," he said.