George W Bush has told the Times that the IRA must disarm if it is to play any role in the future of the peace process.

His comments come ahead of his visit to the UK which begins today.

He will use the visit to seal British support for his controversial national missile defence system and try to build upon the "special relationship" in a bid to deflect criticism of his decision to reject the Kyoto protocol on climate change.

Bush has also signalled that he will not make any concessions in his opposition to the Kyoto plans.