The Liberal Democrats are holding their Spring conference against what Charles Kennedy has described as a "sombre" international backdrop.

Speaking at the start of his party's gathering in Torquay, Devon, the Lib Dem leader said that if British troops went into action in the next few days he would give them his full support, despite his criticisms of government policy.

"If we do find over the course of the next few days...that British troops find themselves in a position where they will be committed into action, then at that point obviously we want to see the whole country as well as all of parliament unite in support of those troops," he said.

Conference organisers had prepared for senior party figures to return to Westminster for an emergency recall of parliament, but they now say that with a final round of international talks underway that option is increasingly unlikely.

Traditionally this weekend is an opportunity for grassroots supporters to discuss a range of policy issues which are then launched at the autumn seaside conferences.

But for the Liberal Democrats their continued opposition to the government's Iraq policy will be the central issue.

Kennedy repeated his call for the United Nations weapons inspectors to be given more time to complete their work.

And without a second resolution he said that "the Liberal Democrats would not be supporting the decision to commit British troops".

"I think these are disturbing times for our country, for the international community," he added.

An emergency resolution on Iraq will be debated at conference on Saturday.

But away from international issues, senior party figures say they are buoyant because of their progress and long-term problems for the government.

The weekend's theme will be that the presentational gloss of New Labour is beginning to lose its sheen.

The party believes the chancellor faces a gloomy economic outlook which will hit his reputation for prudence and his spending plans.

Good poll ratings will mean fewer spats with the party's more radical supporters and insiders are pleased there are no debates on more colourful issues such as drug legalisation.

Two key debates likely to see increased activity in the debate hall are the convention on the future of the EU and faith schools.

"There's nothing uncomfortable on the agenda and we've always been relaxed about debates with the membership. It's going to be more downbeat this year but given the circumstances with Iraq that's no bad thing," said a spokesman.