AT a time of heightened fears over terrorist attacks on this country, a disgraceful breach of security is exposed at the heart of Parliament.

A cocaine-dealing prostitute is able to get a job as a barmaid in the House of Commons and then talk her way into the London flat of Labour peer Lord Mackenzie.

Lord Mackenzie, a former Chief Superintendent with Durham Police and a key adviser to Tony Blair on criminal justice, has issued a firm denial of the allegations in yesterday's News of the World that he had sex with Salima Kebache.

But Lord Mackenzie, who has been married for 35 years, has been incredibly nave at best. His foolishness has caused himself and his family great embarrassment and damaged his reputation as a man with trusted judgement.

In the wider context, grave concerns must be raised about the standards of security at Westminster, and procedures to vet House of Commons employees have to be tightened up.

Salima Kebache is apparently no more than a drug-dealing prostitute, but imagine if she had terrorist connections.

Those who are plotting to launch terror attacks on this country - and senior politicians have told us often enough in recent months that the threat has never been greater - would pay with their lives for such access to Government.

Lord Mackenzie has his own explanations and apologies to make. Those responsible for the security of Parliament have a lot more to answer for.

The clock is ticking

AS President Bush made clear last night, we have reached the moment of truth for the world.

Today is the last chance to avert war. Then, the talking will stop and the bombs will begin to drop.

All along this terrifying road, we have called for the fight against Iraq to be one which is supported by the United Nations.

We can only pray that, even as the final card is played, Saddam will be made to see that the world is united against him.

Hope has almost gone - but it must be pursued until right up to the final second.