WHILE Jack Straw has been stressing the need for possible military action to disarm Saddam Hussain, the prospect of a new Gulf War has split East Lancashire.

This week the Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary made absolutely clear that conflict is inevitable unless Iraq disarms.

He said: "The world would be a much, much more dangerous place if, at this stage, we were to allow the world's most aggressive rogue state to continue with its practices of concealment and deceit and, above all, the development and holding of poisons, diseases and other weapons of mass destruction."

He made clear that the report of the chief UN weapons inspector to the Security Council had even further convinced him of the threat posed by Baghdad.

Mr Straw told the Evening Telegraph: "The question of war is one for Iraq. If they want peace, they should disarm.

"If they do not do so there will be serious consequences. I would prefer a second UN Security Council resolution authorising military action but we and the Americans need to reserve the right to take military action unilaterally.

"I think that the chances of war have increased this week."

Supporting Mr Straw are Hyndburn MP Greg Pope and Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans.

Labour backbencher Mr Pope said: "I think it is important for everyone to realise that it is right to disarm Saddam Hussain.

"If we leave him with weapons of mass destruction he is a threat to the Middle East region and the world. I would prefer a second UN resolution but it is not absolutely vital.

"We cannot afford to back down in the face of this tyrant."

Shadow Cabinet member Mr Evans said: "I certainly think that it would be highly dangerous to leave Iraq and Saddam Hussain in possession of weapons of mass destruction.

"We must do all we can to get rid of these weapons. Saddam must be convinced that if he does not comply with the UN he faces serious consequences.

"I applaud Tony Blair for his resolution in the face of this threat."