Tackling terror in UK's interest - Blair

Blair's stance hardened after his three-day tour

Prime Minister Tony Blair has said the UK must take decisive action to prevent any more British lives being lost to terrorism.

He said the number of Britons murdered in the 11 September atrocity far exceeded those killed in any single incident over Northern Ireland.

If we failed to act the risk is simple and direct - more British lives lost through terrorism

Tony Blair

In an article for the News of the World, he warned that while there was no specific threat, the UK could still be the next target of international terrorists.

The article comes a day after Mr Blair gave his clearest indication yet that preparations for military action against the Afghanistan authorities were set.

Domestic focus

In the article Mr Blair outlined the case for sending British troops into action against Osama Bin Laden and his allies.

He wrote: "If we failed to act the risk is simple and direct: more British lives lost through terrorism."

Blair says evidence against Bin Laden is "enormous"

He went on: "Attacks in the past, in Europe at least, have been thwarted by our security forces.

"But in the end, real success will only come from eradicating the network of terror behind the September 11 attacks."

But he also went on to reassure that Labour's election promises on domestic policies would not be overshadowed by the international crisis.

"I never forget why we were re-elected: to deliver economic stability, tackle crime and get better public services, schools and hospitals first," he wrote.

"My focus and that of the Cabinet is always on that."

Action 'imminent'

On Saturday Mr Blair returned from a three-day international tour to shore up support for the global campaign against terrorism in the wake of the US attacks.

He indicated the timing of any action was being discussed with Britain's closest allies.

The Taleban regime have had now three weeks when it's been made quite clear what they have to do to avoid being targeted

Tony Blair

"We have obviously been prepared since 11 September and those preparations for any military actions are there, so that's clear," he told reporters travelling with him from New Delhi, India, to London.

"The Taleban regime have had now three weeks when it's been made quite clear what they have to do to avoid being targeted."

Mr Blair said his tour - which had taken him to Russia, Pakistan and India - had convinced the global coalition of an "inter-connection" between chief suspect Osama Bin Laden and the Taleban.

In Pakistan, Blair and President Musharraf held detailed talks

And he said there was no longer "insufficient world consensus" about taking action against the Taleban.

"The Taleban have had several weeks in which to respond, they have known what they have to do - and what has become clear in the discussions I have had in the region is that the links between Bin Laden and the Taleban are enormous."

On Saturday US President George Bush also appeared to be hardening his stance, warning the Taleban that "time is running out".