WEST Devon and Torridge Liberal Democrat MP John Burnett has pledged his ?wholehearted support? for British troops ahead of military action in Iraq.

In Tuesday night?s House of Commons vote on Iraq, Mr Burnett backed a cross-party amendment which stated: ?The case for war against Iraq has not yet been established, especially given the absence of specific UN authorisation.?

The amendment went on to express ?total support? for the British forces in the Gulf.

Mr Burnett, a former troop commander with the Royal Marines, abstained from voting on the motion supporting the Government?s decision that the UK should use all means possible to disarm Saddam Hussein.

He said: ?I cannot vote against something which offers support to the armed forces. I know that there is only so much time you can keep troops waiting.

?I made it clear during the debate, as I have throughout the build-up to this crisis, that I would, in no circumstances do anything that I consider would undermine our armed forces,? Mr Burnett told the Times yesterday.

?The vote is now taken; military action is imminent. All of us now will unite in full support of our armed forces.

?I believe and hope that their tasks will be swiftly concluded with minimal casualties on all sides. I and colleagues in Parliament have nothing but admiration and support for our armed forces and their families.?