Resistance all the way, warns Blair

Tony Blair has warned that Allied troops would face "resistance all the way to the end of this campaign."

His message came as British forces were again drawn into fierce fighting in southern Iraq.

Mr Blair told a press briefing in London the push to Baghdad was of "vital strategic importance" to the Allied campaign.

The Prime Minister said that "a huge amount" had been achieved in the first five days of the war.

He claimed Iraqi civilians were holding back from welcoming coalition forces because they had been let down in the past.

But he said: "My message to them is that this time we will not let you down - Saddam and his regime will be removed."

Mr Blair acknowledged:

"There will be resistance all the way to the end of this campaign.

"It will take time and perseverance and the continuing skill and dedication and professionalism of our armed forces to break it down."

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