Tory leader backs Blair

Iain Duncan Smith praised British forces last night as "heroes" pursuing a "noble cause" by disarming Iraq.

In a television broadcast to the nation, the Tory leader, a former Scots Guards captain, endorsed Tony Blair's appeal for people to rally behind British forces even if they opposed the war. "Whatever honest doubts you may have about the legitimacy of this action – our armed forces deserve the support of the entire nation," he said. He said of the Royal Marines killed in a helicopter crash: "They and their families have made the greatest of sacrifices."

Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, in his broadcast, pledged his support for British forces. "There is nothing unpatriotic about having questioned the basis for this war but supporting our armed forces now battle is engaged."