As Britain stands on the brink of war Tony Blair has faced the Commons for an initially sombre session of prime minister's questions.

He confirmed that Britain and the US would ensure that senior members of the Iraqi regime "would be held accountable for what they have done".

"Whatever positions people have taken, and we understand the reasons for that, I know that everyone in this House wishes our armed forces well, wishes that if there is conflict it is over as quickly and as successfully as possible," Blair told MPs.

At what is likely to be the last session of PMQs before war, Iain Duncan Smith wished the armed forces "god's speed and a safe return".

Blair reiterated that this was not a war against Islam or the Muslim world but against Saddam Hussein.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy tackled the prime minister over efforts to secure peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Kennedy wanted clarification on the "road map" document set to be published by the US.

"What is the status of this in the eyes of the Bush government?" he asked the prime minister.

Blair assured MPs that the US was committed to solving the issue.

He defended the plan saying both Israel and the Palestinians would have input.

"We are totally committed to ensure the road map is fulfilled," he said.

Kennedy urged the prime minister to maintain pressure on the US administration.

Blair replied that George W Bush wanted to see the road map bring security to Israel and statehood to the Palestinians.

"That is his commitment, it is my commitment and we will work hard to ensure it is delivered," said Blair.

The prime minister also insisted that allied forces would do all they could to "minimise" the number of civilian casualties in the Gulf.

"In terms of any weapons or munitions we will only use those which are in accordance with international law," he said.

The prime minister added that allied forces may be forced to remove Saddam from power.

"If the only means of achieving the disarmament of Iraq of weapons of mass destruction is the removal of the regime, then the removal of the regime has to be our objective," he said.

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell told the prime minister that the "disgraceful and spineless" conduct of the French government left the issue of a common EU defence policy dead in the water.

Labour MPs expressed unease at the conduct of the US administration.

Blair was told he must use his "now legendary powers of persuasion" to force the US president to "develop a world vision which is worthy of his great nation".

On a different note Conservative MP John Randall asked "what lessons does the prime minister believe can be learned from the current situation in Kosovo?"