Clinton to speak at UK literary festival

Bill Clinton is to boost the efforts to persuade Americans that Britain remains a safe tourist destination despite foot and mouth by attending a major literary festival.

The former US President is expected at the event at Hay-on-Wye, Powys, one of the most prestigious occasions in the literary calendar, on May 26.

His talk will be on 'conflict resolution', and will be followed by a question and answer session.

Festival organiser Peter Florence said:: "Clinton is a most charismatic talker - it is a real coup to get him here.

"We wanted to invite people who use language well and tell good stories. Language is the common currency for everyone at the festival."

But the festival organisers will not be alone in seeing the former President in the British countryside.

His presence will be a clear signal to his countrymen that Britain remains a viable tourist destination.

It is a message which Tony Blair and his ministers have repeated over recent days, amid fears that the tourist industry will be badly hit by holiday booking cancellations.

On Friday, the United States Tour Operators trade association warned that there was a significant trend towards Americans cancelling planned trips to Britain - with some member companies reporting up to 50% cancellations.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "His visit is welcome and sends a message to Americans that it is good to come here."