He said also that the G8 leaders had agreed a further 3 billion dollar package of assistance for the Palestinian Authority. Mr Blair said the G8 leaders had refused to be deflected by the London bombings and their agreements offered hope in the face of the terrorist outrages. "We speak today in the shadow of terrorism but it will not obscure what we came here to achieve," he said. "The purpose of terrorism is not only to kill and maim the innocent, it is to put despair and anger and hatred in people's hearts. "It is, by its savagery, designed to put all conventional politics in darkness." Mr Blair acknowledged that the deal on Africa was not all that campaigners had been hoping for but insisted that it represented real progress.

"It isn't the end of poverty in Africa but it is the hope that it can be ended. It isn't all that everyone wanted but it is progress, real and achievable progress," he said. He said this would begin with an international meeting in Britain on November 1. Mr Blair said that the Africa plan included a 50 billion dollar "uplift" in aid, the "signal" for a new deal on trade and the cancellation of the debts of the poorest nations. It also involved universal access to Aids treatment, a commitment to a new peacekeeping force for Africa and a commitment by African leaders to democracy and good governance "All of this does not change the world tomorrow It is a beginning, not an end. And none of it today will match the same ghastly impact of terror," he said.

"But it has a pride and a hope and humanity at its heart that can lift the shadow of terrorism and light the way to a better future.". European Union "A terrible event can happen at any time We cannot let down our guard. We are working every day, and in a co-ordinated way in all the EU countries. Unfortunately there are times when one cannot prevent [a terrorist attack]." Javier Solana, EU foreign policy chiefUnited Nations"These vicious acts have cut us all to the core, for they are an attack on humanity itself. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones, those who were hurt, those who were traumatised by this tragedy. Today, the world stands shoulder to shoulder with the British people, who with others around the world had mobilised so powerfully against poverty and climate change ahead of the Group of Eight summit, and who, I am sure, will confront this ordeal with the same spirit, courage and determination."Kofi Annan, Secretary generalNew York"My heart goes out to the people who were affected by this, it reminds me so much of 11 September. I feel very sorry for them and I offer all the support and help and assistance we can give.