Portillo sparks Bush security row

Former Cabinet minister Michael Portillo has suggested British police could not be trusted to protect President Bush.

Mr Portillo said police had failed to protect the Royal Family from "a joker dressed as Osama bin Laden".

The Tory MP, who is to stand down at the next election, said in an open letter to the president: "Congratulations on organising your own security while in Britain. I don't think you could have relied on them (British police) to protect you against the real thing."

The former Tory MP was referring to the incident when comedian Aaron Barschak gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party dressed as bin Laden.

Mr Portillo's comments came in a special Guardian supplement of open letters to President Bush.

But they drew a frosty response from the Metropolitan Police, which was responsible for policing Windsor Castle.

A spokesman said: "We have been protecting the Royal Family and the Cabinet for over 100 years and if you can name any of them who have been assassinated, you tell me.

"Many police forces from all over the world come to us for advice and training on security measures for their politicians and governments."

The unprecedented security operation planned for President Bush's state visit to Britain will draw on thousands of police officers from several different forces.

Conservative Central Office later sought to distance itself from Mr Portillo's comments. A spokesman said: "He is a backbencher. He is not on the front bench."

Most watched News videos