The British government has expressed concern over Zimbabwe's decision last month to confiscate hundreds of farms, most of them owned by whites.

But it rejected opposition calls for it to reconsider its aid to Zimbabwe because of the controversial land reforms -- and Zimbabwe's involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The British Foreign office minister, Tony Lloyd, told parliament that British aid money was spent on Zimbabwe's poor.

He was speaking in parliament as President Mugabe arrived in London on a private visit.

British officials say a meeting between Mr Lloyd and Mr Mugabe may take place later this week.

They say Britain wants to raise its concerns over President Mugabe's recent visit to Libya -- in defiance of UN sanctions -- and the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, as well as land reform and Zimbabwe's involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.