PRESIDENT Bush is marching his troops up to the top of the hill, with British forces in support.

It is difficult to see how he can march them down again without Saddam Hussein claiming victory, which would be unacceptable to the White House.

As I write, the UN weapons' inspectors have found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It is a land of fear and many of its people would welcome the overthrow of the despot, but Saddam Hussein has presented no threat to other nations since his defeat in 1991, and he has no links with Al Quaida terrorists.

War is likely for the sole reason that George W Bush wants a regime change in Iraq to serve his own political purposes. No promises of liberty and democracy are being made. Despicable regimes elsewhere in the world are ignored. The purpose of this conflict will be to demonstrate American power and secure the re-election of the US President at a time of economic difficulty.

All who seek long term peace will fear the consequences of this act of US imperialism. The perception that the USA gives slavish support to the government of Israel, right or wrong, while ignoring the legitimate grievances of Palestinians, fosters the impression that this will be a war against Muslims. For Britain to appear like a poodle walking in US footsteps does us no credit.

The very least we must demand of Tony Blair is that British forces should not be engaged in the absence of a second United Nations' resolution, and a free vote of MPs in the House of Commons.

Chris Davies

Liberal Democrat MEP for the North-west