Charles Kennedy has told his party that US plans to overthrow Saddam Hussein contain "more than a hint of imperialism".

In an emergency speech to delegates, the Liberal Democrat leader said he was committed to the return of United Nations weapons inspectors.

Whilst he warned against any American-imposed "regime change" in Baghdad, Kennedy left often the possibility of support for military action if authorised by the UN.

Paul Routledge has little time for the Lib Dem leader's protestations.

"This party is a fraud," he concludes in the Mirror.