PM congratulates President Bush

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has tonight congratulated George Bush on his re-election as President of the United States of America.

In a statement delivered from 10 Downing Street, Mr Blair said he looked forward to continuing Britain and America's strong relationship with President Bush.

Read the statement in full:

Good Evening everyone. I have spoken today with President Bush, and just in the last few minutes to Senator Kerry. I congratulated President Bush on his victory, and said to Senator Kerry that I thought he fought an outstanding campaign that would help make the election a true celebration of American democracy, and he should be proud of that.

Such is the strength of the United States, that the election of the President is an event of genuine significance right around the world. It is of particular significance to Britain, not least because America and the United Kingdom have a unique bond through our shared history and traditions, and above all, through our shared belief in the values of freedom and democracy. It is an important part of our own British national interest that the British Prime Minister protects and strengthens the bond between our two countries. I sought to do that first with President Clinton, and then with President Bush, and I look forward to continuing that strong relationship in President Bush's second term.

President Bush's re-election comes at a critical time. A world that is fractured, divided and uncertain must be brought together to fight this global terrorism in all its forms, and to recognise that it will not be defeated by military might alone, but also by demonstrating the strength of our common values - by bringing freedom and democracy to Iraq, as we have done to Afghanistan; by pursuing with the same energy peace in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine; by accepting it is our duty to combat poverty and injustice on the continent of Africa and elsewhere in the world.

In particular I have long argued that the need to revitalise the Middle East peace process is the single most pressing political challenge in our world today. Therefore we must be relentless in our war against terrorism, and in resolving the conditions and causes on which the terrorists prey.

We should work with President Bush on this agenda. It is one which all nations of goodwill can surely agree. In particular, Europe and America must build anew their alliance. All of us in positions of leadership - not just President Bush - have a responsibility to rise to this challenge. It is urgent that we do so.

Once again I warmly congratulate President Bush on his victory, and thank you.