Blair confirms 'limited' Basra uprising

The Prime Minister confirmed today that there had been "some limited form of uprising" against Saddam Hussein's regime in Basra and pledged support for any future rebellion.

Having risen up twice before against 20 years of "brutal repression" without support, the people of Iraq were "naturally wary," he said.

"We must work with them and make sure that when they are in a position to rise up, we are in an absolutely secure and certain position to give them maximum help."

Shortly before flying to the US for talks with President Bush, Mr Blair said the coalition campaign had made "remarkable progress" and paid tribute to those who had died in the action.