Row over Dalai Lama's visit to Britain

• By Tom Peterkin Telegraph Last Updated: 12:41PM BST 20/05/2008

The Dalai Lama arrives in Britain today amid controversy over Gordon Brown's failure to meet the exiled Tibetan leader in Downing Street.
 

The Dalai Lama arrives at Heathrow airport, London, to begin his eleven day visit to Britain

His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso will meet the Prime Minister during his 11-day visit but he will be received at Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, instead of Number 10.

Dalai Lama's visit to the UK

• By Jill McGivering, World affairs correspondent, BBC News 04:15 GMT, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 05:15 UK

The Dalai Lama is starting a 10-day visit to the UK. His tour comes against the backdrop of a tense relationship between Tibet and China.

The timing of the Dalai Lama's visit is critical. The violent protests which erupted just over two months ago thrust Tibet back into the international spotlight.

China is now also in mourning for the earthquake victims as well as preparing to host the Olympic Games, a matter of intense domestic pride.

As it takes its place on the world stage, Beijing is eager to avoid diplomatic embarrassment.