The prime minister has made his first comments on the re-election of George Bush.

Speaking to the media in Downing Street last night, Tony Blair said the transatlantic alliance remains strong.

"It is an important part of our own British  national interest that the British prime minister protect and strengthen the bond between our two countries," he said.

"I sought to do that first with President Clinton and then with President Bush and I look forward to continuing that strong relationship in President Bush's second term."

He also expressed his hope that the new Bush administration would push on in an effort to strike a peace deal between Israel and Palestine.

Commenting on the Bush victory, Tory leader Michael Howard said: "I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to President George W Bush on his re-election victory.

"We look to the president to be a unifying force for those all over the world who share our determination to defend freedom. We look forward to working with the president."

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said increased voter participation in the poll might have lessons for Britain's politicians.

"I congratulate President Bush on the confirmation now of his re-election," he said.