Mission: Blair

Downing Street has defended the prime minister's globe trotting diplomacy saying it is a vital part of protecting the UK from terrorist attacks.

The prime minister's spokesman said on Wednesday that Tony Blair did not believe in an "either or option" dividing home and foreign affairs when it came to the war on terrorism.

The defence came as it was confirmed that Tony Blair is set to spend the next round of his diplomatic mission in Africa.

The prime minister has come in for criticism from both the Opposition and the media for spending too much time abroad while at home waits a "full in-tray" including mounting problems with the rail network.

Number 10 was keen to stress that the war in Afghanistan and the US terror attacks stemmed from world powers ignoring issues. The consequences of ignoring the crisis between India and Pakistan were too great.

"It is in the interest of this country that we do not have a space in which a future Bin Laden can launch future attacks on the world," he said. "The prime minister is addressing the interests of this country wherever they may be."