THE cases for and against military action against Saddam Hussein have been thoroughly scrutinised.

They have been the subject of parliamentary debates, party conferences, public inquiries and public opinion.

Despite the doubts of many others, the Prime Minister is convinced he did what he thought was right.

It is for the British people, at the next General Election, to deliver their verdict on whether or not he can be trusted to make such vital judgements.

However, while the issue of whether or not we should have gone to war against Iraq continues to divide opinion, the issue of whether or not our forces should remain in Iraq must not.

To abandon Iraq at this time of crisis, or any time in the near future, would be a gross dereliction of duty on our part.

Having committed ourselves to getting rid of Saddam Hussein, we now have to commit ourselves to the supplementary task of establishing peace and security in the country.

The terrorists intent on waging civil war in Iraq must be defeated. We must not free the Iraqi people of one tyranny, only to leave them at the mercy of another.

If there are any lingering doubts of the need for the presence of our armed forces, then the loss of at least 41 lives in yesterday's atrocities should dispel them.

Britain must not give the impression that it is willing to leave Iraq at the earliest opportunity, but rather that we will play our fullest possible role in its political and economic reconstruction.