The prime minister will call on President George W Bush to adopt a new strategy in Iraq during talks this week.

Tony Blair will say that the military operation must be set alongside a greater diplomatic push to involve Iraqis in the running of their country.

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, the UK's representative in Iraq, said the policy must now include political, economic and diplomatic goals.

Whilst he said the coalition had to "show strength" he added that "political outreach" would also be important.

Meanwhile Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has pledged to use his meeting with the president to emphasise the strength of opinion against the Iraq conflict.

The prime minister is also likely to use his talks to discuss wider issues although hopes that the US will announce a climb-down on steel tariffs have faded.

Instead Bush and Blair are likely to reaffirm their commitment to wider trade negotiations.