UK forces joining attack (WITH YOU AT THE FIRST, WITH YOU TO THE LAST, AMERICA)

BBC ^ | October 7, 2001 | BBC

[MadIvan]

UK forces are involved in the military attacks on Afghanistan, it has been confirmed. US President George W Bush confirmed UK involvement as he said in a White House address that the US had begun military action. "We are joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great Britain," he said.

Downing Street also confirmed that British forces are taking part in the operation.

"We can confirm that British forces are engaged in the military action that has begun against targets in Afghanistan," the Prime Minister's spokesman said.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is due to make a statement at 10 Downing Street shortly.

Cruise missiles

It was reported on the US television channel CNN that cruise missiles had been fired from British and American ships.

About 24 British Royal Navy warships as well as 23,000 British troops are in the region.

They had been sent there before the 11 September US attacks for long-planned exercises with the Omanis, known as Saif Sareea 2.

The leader of the opposition Conservative party, Iain Duncan Smith, said he would make a statement after he had spoken to Downing Street.

It is possible that the Conservative party conference, for which MPs whad been gathering in Blackpool on Sunday, may be cancelled.

Story 2:

Blair pays tribute to British forces

Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to the British forces in action in Afghanistan saying they were "amongst the best in the world".

Mr Blair praised the "courageous" soldiers whose "sense of duty" is renowned "throughout the world".

It has been confirmed that British missile-firing submarines are in action against Afghanistan.

Mr Blair said: "There are dangers in action, but there are also dangers in inaction and those dangers are far far greater.

He moved to reassure people that Britain itself was not under-threat, saying: "There is no specific credible threat to the British people."

He also said that efforts were being made to help refugees displaced by the conflict.

"We are assembling a coalition for refugees from Afghanistan, which is as important as the military action.

"Britain is heavily involved in that humanitarian action."

Mr Blair said: "This is not a war against Islam. It angers me to hear bin Laden described as Islamic terrorist. They are terrorists pure and simple.

Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, said: "These operations have become inevitable.

"The Taleban have been given every opportunity to give up bin Laden and withdraw support from his terrorist network.

"Under international law these are legitimate targets. Every effort must be made to minimise civilian casualties."

"Once again the lives of the brave men and women of Britain's armed services are at risk. We wish them a safe return," Mr Campbell continued.

[MadIvan]

I'll let Winston do the talking for me:

But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."

Best Regards, Ivan

Today is Trinity Sunday. Centuries ago words were written to be a call and a spur to the faithful servants of Truth and Justice: "Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar. As the Will of God is in Heaven, even so let it be." - Winston Churchill, 1940

This then, my lords and gentlemen, is the message which we send forth today to all states and nations, bound or free, to all the men in all the lands who care for freedom's cause. To our Allies and well-wishers in Europe, to our American friends and helpers drawing ever closer in their might across the ocean, this is the message-lift up your hearts, all will come right. Out of depths of sorrow and sacrifice will be born again the glory of mankind. - Winston Churchill, 1941

LET US GO FORWARD TOGETHER

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Glenn]

bttt

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[6ppc]

Fox just reported that the personal residences of Taliban leaders have been hit.

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Howlin]

Bump to you guys!

[Inyokern]

Any bad thoughts I ever had about Blair are now and forever forgotten.

[Miss Marple]

I just saw Blair speak. He was very good. God bless him!

Did you see President Bush's speech?

[MadIvan]

Did you see President Bush's speech?

Yes indeed, I was mightily impressed. We're ready. "Let's roll".

Regards, Ivan

[Hugin]

I say we send in some Ghurkas to clean out a few camps, along with Rangers and SAS. Severed heads are a great calling card.

[nancetc]

My Dad. a very conservative man made this point. He believes Blair is for American and has been all along...he just put up with Clinton. I don't know about that...but I think he has seen the difference between the man who is President and the boy who played at being President.

[mdittmar]

May God Bless all American and British toops.

[onyx]

I'm so proud of PM Blair. Of course your countrymen are at our side. Bush and Blair are the dynamic duo!

God Bless our militaries, and our two leaders!

Do try to post the text of PM Blair's speech when it becomes available!

God Bless you too, MadIvan.

[a_federalist]

Big bump to our British friends, standing together with our brave American soldiers against terrorism and the cowards who are hiding in their holes right now.

[fire and forget]

God-speed to our troops and British allies. I only JUST found out that IT has begun.

[Beeline40@aol.com]

Hey, you guys should wonder over to Democratic Underground, they are going nuts over there, its pathetic really.