London: Stoutly defending Britain joining the war in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Blair on September 30 admitted the action had divided opinion in the ruling Labour Party, but vowed to ride out his "rough patch".

"I know many (people) profoundly believe the action we took (in Iraq) was wrong. I do not at all disrespect anyone who disagrees with me," the Prime Minister said, addressing the annual Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth, about 160 km from London.

"I ask just one thing – attack my decision, but at least understand why I took it and why I would take the same decision again."

He defended his decision to join the war on Iraq as it was "to make Britain safer".

"Suppose the terrorists repeated September 11 or worse, suppose they got hold of a chemical or biological or nuclear dirty bomb, and if they could, they would. What then?

"And if it is the threat of the 21st century, Britain should be in there helping confront it, not because we are America's poodle, but because dealing with it will make Britain safer," he said.

Outlining his plans for a "fairer society", while acknowledging that he must rebuild trust in the party among voters, Blair told delegates that government policy going forward should reflect "fairness remade. A Britain without poverty. First-class public services, community renewed".

He said, "People ask me if I am surprised that things have got so tough. I say I am surprised it has taken so long. Why? I've been trying to say this to you for the best part of 10 years, but never quite found the words. But now I've hit the rough patch, it's time to try again."

PTI