ON the sceptical side are Janet Anderson, Peter Pike and Gordon Prentice. Rossendale and Darwen MP Mrs Anderson said: "I have grave reservations about military action against Iraq.

"However, I do think this is a matter for the Prime Minister and I trust his judgment. I am very concerned about the possible consequences of war against Iraq in the Middle East.

"I still consider the problem of Israel and Palestine to be the biggest problem in the region. An attack on Iraq could make things worse not better."

Burnley MP Mr Pike said: "I certainly remain deeply concerned. I do hope that the government will give United Nations weapons inspectors more time to do their job.

"I certainly believe that there should be a second United Nations resolution before any military action to legitimise it and I also would like to see a vote in the House of Commons.

"We all know Saddam needs to be disarmed but the Prime Minister must listen to the people. The Prime Minister needs to make a strong taste for military action which he has so far not done."

Pendle MP Mr Prentice said: "I don't think that the report to the UN this week by Chief UN Weapons Inspector Doctor Blix has made the case for an attack on Iraq.

"But we all accept that he is a tyrant and needs to be disarmed of any weapons of mass destruction. I do not feel a compelling case has been made for military action.

"I have raised this this week at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and I intend to raise it at the Parliamentary Labour Party next week.

"I certainly don't think we should take military action without a second United National resolution and without a vote at the House of Commons. I shall be telling this to the Prime Minister when I meet him on Wednesday as a member of the Parliamentary Committee of the Labour Party.

"I urge caution on him and hope he will give the weapons inspectors more time to do their job properly. I think that is the view of most of the people of Britain."