Iraq crisis: MPs' voews

That is the view of most local MPs contacted by the Express this week as the build-up of troops in the Gulf continued.

Concern about the prospect of an attack against Iraq was voiced by Lewes MP Norman Baker at a debate in Lewes on Monday.

He said it was known Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, but he had not threatened to use them against the US or UK. 'There has been no direct threat to this country to justify an attack against his regime.'

Bexhill and Battle MP Greg Barker, whose constituency includes Herstmonceux and Pevensey Bay, said: 'I'm profoundly worried by developments in Iraq and the Prime Minister's very belligerent course which seems to be set on war, with or without the United Nations.

'Any action must have a strong moral justification, be done in conjunction with the UN and comply with international law. The Prime Minister has yet to put a compelling case before Parliament proving the link between Iraq and Al-Qaeda, which is a clear threat to Great Britain.

'Also, the weapons inspectors have yet to produce any real evidence that Saddam Hussein even has these weapons of mass destruction.

'I'm deeply concerned about the Government risking the lives of British servicemen in a conflict which the British people do not agree with.'

Evidence

Wealden MP Charles Hendry said: 'I broadly support the Prime Minister's position on Iraq, as he has outlined this week.

'If the evidence is there that Saddam Hussein has or is on the way to obtaining weapons of mass destruction, it would be incredibly irresponsible of the Government to sit back and do nothing.

'I would hope that our action will be backed by the United Nations, but the most important thing is to protect our own national security.'

Peacehaven and Telscombe's MP Dr Des Turner (Labour) said he favoured a United Nations route to ensuring that Saddam Hussein does not possess any weapons of mass destruction.

'I would like United Nations backing for any action that the United Kingdom takes on this issue.

'And I would like Members of Parliament to have the opportunity of a vote in the House of Commons before any military action is taken in the Middle East. Further, I very much support the Prime Minster's emphasis on tackling the Israel and Palestinian situation and his attempt to create lasting peace in the region.'

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson said he believed his constituents accepted Saddam Hussein was an evil man who had shown cruelty and aggression to his neighbours and his own people.

'They also see the need to disarm him; and if it can be shown that the Iraqi regime poses a direct threat to this country or its interests, then reluctantly hostilities might be unavoidable.

Cabinet

'Along with my party, I have supported the Government and the UN taking a strong line on Iraqi disarmament. But this is not a blank cheque.

'Any support for Tony Blair is not unconditional. He has to make out a good case for attacking Saddam and placing British servicemen and women in harm's way. And so far, I do not think he has made out that case.

'Nor is it fair to our service personnel to have open splits within the Cabinet. My colleagues and I will continue to press the Prime Minister to make the case that forcibly disarming Iraq is in the interests of the British people.'

He went on: 'Clearly, the UN inspectors must have more time to do their work; but they have already concluded that the Iraqis have failed to give full disclosure, as required by the UN Resolution.

'And ideally there should be a second UN Resolution authorising military action; but if the facts call out for prompt action, we cannot allow a situation where one country could veto action for other reasons (as happened over Kosovo).'