The Bruges Group applauds the election of Iain Duncan Smith as leader of the Conservative Party.

The terrible events in America have reminded all of us of our profound ties and friendship with the United States. We offer our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones. We recall that the United States fought with our country in two world wars, and we wish to see those debts of honour repaid. We congratulate President George W. Bush on a fine performance in these most extraordinary circumstances, and we welcome Mr. Blair’s offer of full support to the American people and government.

Mr. Duncan Smith has consistently emphasised the importance of our special relationship with the United States of America and of the NATO alliance. He has been right to do so.

We welcome NATO’s statement concerning the application of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. If a sovereign state is shown to have been involved in this atrocity, and if the United States declares war on that state, as she would be fully entitled to do, the British government should commence hostilities within the hour.