Condi and Jack in Blackburn

The tour started at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, though there was some confusion at the press conference with Jack being under the impression that they were in Blackburn, and Condi thinking she was at a company called BAS, but hell, those are just details. One arms manufacturer is as good as another to start of a tour...?

Both Condi and Jack expressed themselves delighted at the fact people were protesting the visit, with Condi saying she is used to it, because she gets it wherever she goes... Can't imagine why...

Even Condi must realise that she is only going to meet people who have been vetted as friendly and welcoming, surely? Kinda like the Iraqis that talk to US and UK politicians when they visit Iraq. Though of course, despite the best efforts of spin and the media to tell us otherwise, there isn't a threat to Condi's safety on the streets of Liverpool and Blackburn to justify keeping her away from the general public, just a threat she might hear what people really think...

She also added, that if she didn't encounter protests, then she wouldn't be serving democracy... and Jack enthused about vibrant debate over that most important of subjects - war and peace.

Which is presumably why she was smuggled through a side door on her visit to Pleckgate School shortly afterwards, kept well away from the 200 or so protesters gathered outside.

On leaving Pleckgate School, Sky news were talking about a heavy and intimidating police presence, with police surrounding the protesters and parents photographing and videoing them for 'evidence'.

Evidence of what I am not sure, why the security services would need photographic evidence of protest is unclear...

Condi and Jack should have finished their visit to Blackburn Rovers stadium about now, and she is off to Chatham House to deliver her lecture, which should be broadcast live in Sky News and News 24 at 13.00 hrs.

Then it is back to Liverpool...