President Bush should be offered the same level of safety as Iraqi people who come to Britain, according to a south Essex soldier's mother.

Veronica Mepham, 64, who lives and works at the Rescuers Wildlife Sanctuary in Watlington Road, Benfleet, spoke out as controversy surrounded the US president's visit.

One of her three sons, Alastair, 38, is an army sergeant major. He was one of the first soldiers to be sent to Iraq this year.

She said: "He is in charge of supplies and equipment. He came back from Iraq in July."

Alastair, who joined the Army at 16 straight from Cornelius Vermuyden School on Canvey, is nearing the end of his 22 years of service. He has served in virtually every war zone, including Bosnia.

Mrs Mepham said she was "not particularly" in favour of the war with Iraq, but added: "I just feel that people who know better than we do decided they should have to go and help the poor people who were having genocide.

"Prime Minister Tony Blair did what he thought he should do, like President Bush, but unfortunately they are being run down by other countries and other peoples.

"We should give President Bush the same safety as we give to Iraqi people. I think he did what he thought was right for the people."

Published Wednesday November 19, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo