Mike Treleaven, Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, speaks on Iraq.

12.00.00am GMT Mon 17th Mar 2003

Mike Treleaven, the Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, today issued the following statement on the situation in Iraq:

We live in very sobering times - I have just returned from the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Torquay where Charles Kennedy made an excellent speech which I believe reflected the views of the majority of the British people, and I have just been listening to reports of the Azores summit. In a few short hours we may well be at war. The Liberal Democrat position is very clear and one which I wholeheartedly endorse - GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. We are not saying that under no circumstances would we endorse a war against Iraq, What we are saying is that the diplomatic process has not yet been exhausted and whilst there are signs that inspection is working, albeit slowly and with very limited co-operation from Saddam Hussein, we should continue to seek disarmament by peaceful means through the auspices of the United Nations. In particular we should not even consider military action without a second U.N. resolution and a vote in favour at Westminster. Saddam Hussein is a brutal tyrant who needs to be disarmed, but let us try to do it without killing thousands of innocent Iraqis, destroying the infrastructure of the country and destabilising a region where there are huge problems not least in solving the Israel/Palestine question.

Whilst the politicians are arguing and debating the issues in the comfort of their offices our loyal and brave troops are ready and waiting to do whatever is asked of them. Many of those soldiers, sailors and airmen come from this area and I know they will carry out their duties professionally, wholeheartedly and with the expertise that comes from being the best in the world. Should we go to war they have my unreserved support and backing. I just hope that the war is short and our forces can return safely to their loved ones as quickly as possible.