Britain is 'bridge' across Atlantic

A casual affair: The first news conference by the two leaders

Britain has a crucial role to play in pulling Europe and America closer together, according to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Speaking to the BBC on the flight home from his first meeting with President George W Bush, he said the UK would be a better ally to the US if it played a full part in Europe.

During the talks at Camp David, Mr Blair won the president's support for a 60,000-strong European defence force.

But Mr Bush said this was conditional on the force not undermining Nato.

Pulling together

"This idea of Britain as a bridge between Europe and the USA, pulling the two together... is important for us," said Mr Blair.

He added that Britain was a better ally for America if it was "listened to and has power and influence in Europe".

Former Conservative cabinet minister John Redwood seized on Mr Bush's conditions, saying they would not be met if France and Germany effectively controlled the European force.

Our relationship with America is strong and always will be

Tong Blair

> "I think there was a warning in George Bush's words as well as an attempt at great friendliness," he told GMTV.

Mr Redwood said the prime minister was being "kicked around" by France and Germany.

Mr Blair said he was returning home deeply impressed by his host.

"I found him really impressive, really on the ball with a very clear vision of what he wants to achieve, and also very direct.

"He just tells you what he thinks."

During Mr Blair's visit the two leaders strolled through the woods together and said they had made a "pretty darned good" start to their getting-to-know-you session.

Shared tastes

At a news conference, the two leaders warned Iraq not to "cross a line," reassured each other over defence and joked about their shared tastes.

"As they told me, he's a pretty charming guy," Mr Bush joked.

"He put the charm offensive on me - and it worked."

Blair: More reserved than Bush

Mr Blair voiced concerns about the American missile defence plan, which has led to European doubts.

But he was sympathetic to the concerns over weapons proliferation which lie behind it and appears to have moved closer towards eventually accepting the American position.

Stopping Saddam

Both men declared their intention to contain Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

The joint air operations have already demonstrated a willingness to work together on difficult foreign policy issues.

Mr Blair said there should be no doubt of their "absolute determination" to make sure Saddam could not develop weapons of mass destruction.

As for their personal relations, the body language seemed mixed, with George Bush joking about their shared brand of toothpaste and Tony Blair more reserved.

They are not expected to match the closeness achieved by Mr Blair and Mr Clinton but President Bush remarked that if either had a problem, he could now just pick up the phone.