In his statement last night, the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, said:
"No country lightly commits forces to military action and the inevitable risks involved.
"We made clear, following the attacks upon the US on September 11th, that we would take action once it was clear who was responsible. There is no doubt in my mind . . . that these attacks were carried out by the al-Qaeda network headed by Osama bin Laden.
"Equally it is clear that they are harboured and supported by the Taliban regime. It is more than two weeks since an ultimatum was delivered to the Taliban to yield up the terrorists or face the consequences.
"It is clear beyond doubt that the Taliban will not do this. They were given the choice of siding with justice, or siding with terror. They chose terror.
"There are three parts, all equally important, to the operation in which we are engaged - military, diplomatic and humanitarian.
"The military action we are taking will be targeted against places we know to be involved in the al-Qaeda network of terror or against the military apparatus of the Taliban.
"The military plan has been put together mindful of our determination to do all we humanly can to avoid civilian casualties.
"We have set the objective to pursue those responsible for the attacks, to eradicate bin Laden's network of terrorism and to take action against the Taliban regime that is sponsoring him . . ."