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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)
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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
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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.
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Boy Found Hanged By Grandmother
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05 March 2007
Camilla recovering after hysterectomy
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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
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
