THE Prime Minister tried to divert attention to the domestic political agenda last night.

But the focus on the "crusade" for public sector reform will be short-lived.

As important issues as health and education are, at the moment all eyes are on Iraq.

It is clear that Tony Blair and President Bush see the report of the UN inspection team as make-or-break.

They are giving every indication that any calls for patience and a continuation of the UN's role in Iraq will be brushed aside.

With or without the support of the UN, Britain and the US have made it known they are prepared to go to war against Iraq.

The blunt response to the reservations expressed by both France and Germany over the last few days suggest Britain and the US are prepared to go to war with or without the support of their closest allies.

Blatantly to defy the wishes of the international community would be a dangerous step to take.

Unilateral military action may produce the desired results in Iraq, and topple the loathsome regime of Saddam Hussein.

But in eradicating one cause for concern in the Middle East, Britain and the US will multiply threats to peace and security across the globe.

Unilateral action by two permanent members of the Security Council will effectively disable the UN as a vehicle for securing world order.

How can Britain and the US claim to uphold the rule of international law, when they are quite prepared to defy the UN when it suits them?

Message of hope

OUR thoughts today are with Kimberley and Kate Stobbs.

There is a message of hope for us all in the fact that love and courage can be found in the most tragic of circumstances.

We hope the bone marrow transplant is successful and that Kimberley will make a full recovery.

We pray this is one story that will have a happy ending.