The song is influenced by a John Lennon anti-war tune

Williams' admission comes after reports the B-side to new single Come Undone, Happy Easter (War is Coming), was against the war with Iraq.

Williams said: "I would like to go on the record as saying that this is in no way, shape, or form, my statement against the war in Iraq. The song is just that - a song.

He added: "If I were to write an anti-war song, the lyrics would be a lot more poignant."

He did not, however, fully support the military action, he said.

"I am not pro-war but I fully support the troops that are out in Iraq and I support democracy for the Iraqi people."

The song's title is very similar to John Lennon's Happy Christmas (War is Over), an anti-Vietnam War protest which was a huge hit in 1972.

Terrified

Come Undone is not due to be released until 14 April.

On the same day, Madonna's new single American Life is to released. The single, the first from Madonna's new album, features an anti-war video.

Williams, who recently signed a deal worth �80m with British record label EMI, had earlier said he was terrified at the idea of a war in the Middle East.

The song is the first time the former Take That star has addressed world politics in a song.

John Lennon's Happy Christmas was one of the pop singer's high-profile protests against war in Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s. He also staged the famous bed-in for world peace with his wife, the Japanese artist Yoko Ono.

Recent anti-war statements have been expressed by urban star Ms Dynamite, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, George Michael and Echo and The Bunnymen singer Ian McCulloch.