The Prime Minister today promised the one of the most "vigorous and intensive" manhunts ever seen in Britain to find those responsible for the London terrorist attacks last Thursday.
Mr Blair told the Commons said it "seems probable" that the bombs were planted by "Islamist extremist terrorists" of the kind responsible for outrages, including September 11th and Madrid. He expressed "revulsion at this murderous carnage of the innocent" and sent deepest sympathies and prayers to the victims.
And he vowed that the country "will not be defeated by such terror, but will defeat it and emerge from this horror with our values, our way of life, tolerance and respect for other undiminished". In a statement listened to in sombre silence by a packed Commons, Mr Blair confirmed that the death toll stood at 52 and that a two minute silence would be held on Thursday, with a memorial service to follow on a date yet unnamed.
Tony Blair
Although Mr Blair blamed "Islamist extremist terrorists" for the attack, he went out of his way to reassure the Muslim community in Britain. "People know full well that the overwhelming majority of Muslims stand four square with every other community in Britain.
"We were proud of your contribution to Britain before last Thursday. We remain proud of it today." He also signalled that the Government was prepared to bring forward new anti-terror laws, ahead of those already planned for next spring, if it became clear they were needed.
In his statement, Mr Blair expressed "heartfelt thanks and admiration" for the work of the emergency services who dealt with the terrorist attacks across the capital, saying their work was "magnificent".
He told MPs: "As for Londoners themselves, their stoicism, resilience and sheer undaunted spirit were an inspiration and an example. "At the moment of terror striking, when the eyes of the world were upon them, they responded and continue to respond with a defiance and a strength that are universally admired."
Mr Blair said the timing of the four explosions was designed to be at the peak of the rush hour, causing maximum death and injury.
"It seems probable the attack was carried out by Islamist extremist terrorists of the kind who over recent years have been responsible for so many innocent deaths in Madrid, Bali, Saudi Arabia, Russia ....but in many other countries too."
Of the police investigation, he said: "It is among the most vigorous and intensive this country has seen.
"We will pursue those responsible, not just the perpetrators but the planners of this outrage, wherever they are and we will not rest until they are identified. and as far as is humanly possible, brought to justice."
He added: "I would like to say this about our police and intelligence services, I know of no intelligence specific enough to have allowed them to prevent last Thursday's attacks."
"By their very nature, people callous enough to kill completely innocent civilians in this way, are hard to stop. But our services and police do a heroic job for our country day in day out and I can say that over the past years, as this particular type of new and awful terrorist threat has grown, they have done their utmost to keep this country and its people safe."
Agencies