IT is clear there is little support in this country for military action against Iraq.

If the Prime Minister has failed to get that message from the British public, he will be well advised to study The Northern Echo's poll of his constituents in Sedgefield.

There is a deep suspicion that this particular dispute with Saddam Hussein has been instigated and manipulated by the Bush administration for its own ends. Having committed his nation to a war on terrorism, the President is desperate to find an enemy to succeed the Taliban. Who better than an international hate figure, seen as a symbol of his father's unfinished business?

While there is only disgust and distrust for Saddam Hussein in this country, there is also a sense that action against him has to be justified.

Circumstances were very different in 1990. Against all international opinion, Saddam had invaded Kuwait, and had to be brought to book.

In stark contrast to the Gulf War, today's US case against him, that he poses a substantial threat to the stability of the Middle East and the wider world, has yet to be proved categorically.

Indeed, there are fears that military action against Iraq will be an even bigger danger to the region.

Tony Blair will find it difficult to pledge British military hardware in a US-led offensive against Iraq. He will find it even more difficult to justify to the British public a commitment involving a risk to members of our armed forces.