Anti-war campaigners have predicted a frosty reception for US president George W Bush after it was announced he will make a state visit to Britain in November.

Buckingham Palace announced the invitation yesterday. The president and his wife will stay with the Queen for three days in London and hold talks with the prime minister in Downing Street.

However Lindsay German of the Stop the War coalition said: "Mr Blair must be mad inviting Mr Bush at a time when both their popularity ratings are falling."

Over 100,000 people are expected to join an anti-war march from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square tomorrow.