Delegates leaving the Labour Party conference were today warned they faced a long journey from "hatred to hope."

Dr John Reid, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said the war against the terrorists who committed the atrocities in the USA would be "long and broad".

In the closing speech of the shortened conference, he told delegates: "We met here this week not in celebration of past victories but in sombre awareness of what lies ahead."

Dr Reid said terrorism was not limited to any religion or political creed.

He said it was instead characterised by hatred - and Britain must stand shoulder to shoulder with the US to defeat it.

He added: "Rarely in the great history of the US has that country needed to rely on others for comfort and support.

"Throughout the last century it was the reverse. We relied on help from across the Atlantic.

"But in the fight against terrorism no nation, no matter how powerful, can prevail alone."

He concluded: "It will be a long journey from hatred to hope."

The conference did not end with the traditional Labour anthem of the "Red Flag".

Party aides said it would be "inappropriate" in the wake of September 11.