Martin Bell MP, w ho reported on the Gulf War for the BBC, gives his

There was no white suit then. Ten years ago I was in combat fatigues with the British 7th Armoured Brigade, part of the coalition force preparing to drive the Iraqis out of Kuwait.

Ten years on, Saddam Hussein is in a stronger position than ever. He is unchallenged at home, and no longer isolated in the Arab world. But George W Bush may be want to complete the task his father left unfinished. But the new president is untested in world affairs. An air offensive against Baghdad already seems an adventure too far.

Neither bombs nor sanctions have loosened the dictator's hold on power. Quite the reverse: they have given him an alibi for misgovernment.

Once again the British have jumped obediently to do Washington's bidding. Of what use is the "special relationship" if it only allows us to play deputy sheriff?

The House of Commons is on a mid-term break, but unlike Iraq, we are a parliamentary democracy. Our government is not authorised to wage secret wars - not even at the behest of the world's only superpower.

This is a time of great danger for the Iraqis, the Gulf, our young pilots ...and our democracy.

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