Speaking on the Pope's arrival Mark Garnier said "I am very pleased that Britain has received its first ever Papal Visit from Benedict XVI. As the spiritual leader for six million Catholics in Britain, a number of which live in Wyre Forest, the Pope is an extremely important figure in this country and internationally.
Although there are issues on which our government and the Holy See disagree, I believe that that Pope Benedict's visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen and build on our relationship with the Holy See in areas where we share interests and goals."
Pope Benedict XVI arrived this morning at the start of the first papal visit to the UK for 28 years. He was greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh and went on to meet the Queen at Holyrood Palace. After flying to London tomorrow he will be addressing Parliament at 17.17hrs in Westminster Hall.