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Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair answers questions during a news conference at Downing Street, London
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British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair has backed US President Mr George W. Bush's pledge to fight a war against the perpetrators of Tuesday's terror attacks on New York and Washington.
"It is a war...between the civilised world and fanaticism," Mr Blair told CNN in an interview.
"And whatever banner that fanaticism marches under, it is important that we recognise these are people who will stop
at nothing."
Mr Blair said it was imperative that the international community acted against those who launched the devastating attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon on Tuesday.
"However difficult it is, and however much we regret the fact that we have to take this action...nonetheless we have to do so," he said.
The premier said the there would be two components to action taken by America and its allies in response to the attacks which killed up to 5,000 people.
He described the two elements as: "The more immediate action...to bring to account those responsible, and then over time a systematic war on the whole machinery of terrorism."
Mr Blair, who on Friday described the attacks on the United States as "hideous and foul", praised Mr Bush's handling of the crisis and said Britain would support America throughout.
"This is time for cool heads and calm nerves, and for an absolute and fixed determination to see this thing through. And we will see it through, it will be done," he said.