meet UK Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair.

A Government spokesman said: "He was so tied up with the Iraqi situation that the possibility just disappeared.'' The UK is backing the US in threats of military action over Iraq's refusal to allow UN weapons inspections.

But the Premier will today meet Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and the Foreign Office junior Minister Baroness Symons, who includes Bermuda among her responsibilities.

On the table for talks will be the future relations of Bermuda and Britain under a far-reaching review launched by Mr. Cook in the wake of embarrassing blunders over the volcano-stricken Caribbean island of Montserrat.

And the Premier will later address the Bermuda Society at a special dinner at the House of Lords.