Iain Duncan Smith has challenged the prime minister to say how the UK would deal with a terrorist attack such as that seen on September 11.

Quoting from a criticial defence select committee report published on Wednesday, the Tory leader said the government's strategy for dealing with a terror strike was lacking coherence.

Calling on the prime minister to take control of the UK's terror strategy, he warned that the government plans were lacking "clear strategic direction".

The prime minister said the government was spending £250 million extra in strengthening the UK's defences.

"I don't accept that we have not made the most urgent preparations since September 11," said Blair.

"All the emergency services have reviewed their capabilities. There is a massive amount of training of police officers, ambulance staff and people in the health service to make sure that we are prepared."

But he warned that it would be impossible to prepare for every terrorist eventuality.

"What is important is that we have the best possible security and intelligence facilities," said Blair.

Duncan Smith warned that the government was mistaking "activity for achievement".

"The crucial point is not that there has been activity, it is a mistake that activity suplants real direction and real drive," said the Tory leader.