THE unanimous approval by the United Nations Security Council of the resolution on Iraq brings one step closer the prospect of British military personnel becoming involved in war.

Saddam Hussein can be left in no doubt that he now has the option to disarm or face invasion.

As President Bush warned him yesterday, the Iraqi dictator can no longer play his old game of 'cheat and retreat'.

If he chooses to defy world opinion, then it will be up to British soldiers, sailors and airmen to help enforce the will of the international community.

The passage of the resolution in New York demonstrates the relevance of Remembrance Day, some 88 years after the outbreak of the First World War.

As we recall the sacrifice of tens of thousands of men and women over ten decades, we also reflect on the willingness of men and women today to risk their lives in the pursuit of peace, democracy and security.

It is clear that Remembrance Day has a poignancy and purpose for more than just the generations who endured the tragedies and hardships of the two world wars.

For young people Remembrance Day has a significance. Older generations tend to forget that study of the conflicts of the last century are part of history lessons at school.

Young people wear poppies not because they feel compelled to do so out of tradition, but out of respect and gratitude.

They also have respect for those of their own age -- today's members of the armed services, on stand-by in case they are called into action against Iraq.

Over the next few days as we remember those who lost their lives in past conflicts, let us hope that Saddam Hussein sees the error of his ways and accedes to the demands of the UN.

We pray that in Remembrance services next year we will not be mourning casualties of the first war of the 21st Century.