PRIME Minister Tony Blair was speeding out on Concorde to Washington today to meet US President George Bush.

The whirlwind visit aims to re-confirm Britain's strong support for America in the face of growing unease about the war in Afghanistan.

Mr Blair will meet the President in the US capital to update him on his disastrous trip to Syria last week.

The Prime Minister said he was determined the West would win "people's hearts and minds" and he could swing support back round behind the coalition.

In an interview for CNN's Larry King Live, Mr Blair said the coalition massed against warlord Osama bin Laden remained "remarkably strong".

Cracks in the coalition began to show last week as America's use of cluster bombs drew criticism at home and abroad.

It culminated in humiliation for Mr Blair when he was publicly criticised by Syria's President Assad in Damascus.

Mr Blair cautioned it was important to remind people the September 11 atrocity was an attack on civilised values.

He said: "As people in positions of leadership, I think we have got to explain patiently to people: 'Yes, it can take time but it is necessary to do'.

"We don't end it until our objectives are met in full.

"It requires resolve and determination, and it also requires some understanding that we need to win not just the military action but to win people's minds as well."

Mr Blair returns to Britain tomorrow to meet King Abdullah of Jordan followed by a reception for Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf.