September 11, 2001. It will be remembered as the day which saw history's most evil act of terrorism.

It will be remembered as the day America - the world's wealthiest and most powerful nation - was brought to its knees in scenes which defied belief.

It will be remembered as the day millions watched unforgettable television images capturing the moment terror struck at the heart of civilisation.

It will be remembered as the day when fear spread in waves around the world.

Days, weeks, months, perhaps years, will pass before the full enormity of yesterday's horrific events are fully appreciated. But they will never be understood. Quite simply, they are incomprehensible.

The death toll will continue to rise and so will the fear. People all over the world will be afraid today - afraid of what might happen next.

For this was not just an unthinkable attack on America, it was an attack which has implications for us all.

Since the day of his election, George W Bush has been a president with question marks hanging over him. Today, we must pray that he answers those questions with strength, skill and patience.

Yes, those responsible must be hunted down and brought to justice and Britain must play a full part in that pursuit.

It is a time when the thirst for revenge will be hard to contain. But it is also a time for calm, for thoughtfulness, for grieving, and for inspired leadership.

With nothing less than world peace at stake, the response must not be rash. It must be measured. And it must be strong.

We must recognise that Britain is a potential target for what Tony Blair described as "the new evil of mass terrorism", but that is the price we have to pay to be partners in the defence of democracy.

Whatever terror is waged by cowardly fanatics, they must never be allowed to win - no matter what their cause may be.

September 11, 2001.

It must be remembered as the day the democracies of the world reinforced their determination to unite against the ever-darkening evil of terrorism.