Tories divided over first-strike on Iraq

The Tory defence spokesman endorsed President George Bush's doctrine of pre-emptive strikes against rogue states such as Iraq yesterday, exposing fresh divisions in the party.

Bernard Jenkin said at a Conservative conference fringe meeting held by the think-tank First Defence that such strikes "must be at the heart of British defence doctrine" and should be backed by a fully funded expeditionary force.

His remarks are expected to concern many Tories, including Sir Peter Tapsell and Peter Ainsworth, who are worried by Mr Bush's policy of "regime change" in Iraq.

Michael Ancram, the shadow Foreign Secretary, said yesterday the aim must be the elimination of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction "in accordance with international law ... a time-limited resolution which leaves Saddam in no doubt as to what must be done".

But Mr Jenkin called for a more hawkish approach and said "taking the fight to the enemy, before the threats come to us" is "the fundamental principle of our modern defence". President Saddam should be replaced, he said. "Iraq should be a foundation for stability in the Arab world, not a sponsor of suicide bombers."

The shadow Secretary of State for Defence said he hoped to welcome "the leaders of a democratic Iraq" to a future Tory conference, adding: "We have no quarrel with the Iraqi people. They know who is the real oppressor."

Meanwhile, the Falklands War hero Simon Weston attacked government ministers for supplying troops with the SA80 rifle, which they say they do not trust. Mr Weston, who was badly burnt in the Falklands, said: "Iraq could be a conflict like we have never seen before. If we want to bring them back looking like me or, even worse, in body bags, then do not give them the right equipment."