Globe-trotting Cabinet ministers yesterday sought to maintain the unity of the international coalition against terrorism.

As foreign secretary Jack Straw told the Commons that the military campaign could take "months, not days or weeks", international development secretary Clare Short travelled to Pakistan. Short was holding talks on the humanitarian aid effort for Afghan refugees on the Pakistan border.

Chancellor Gordon Brown was in Luxembourg where he urged EU finance ministers to track terrorist assets, while transport minister Stephen Byers was also in Luxembourg for a review of aviation security.

Deputy prime minister John Prescott was visiting Russia and the Ukraine, while Tony Blair remained in London for talks with Jordan's King Abdullah.