Troops may be in action by the weekend

Jack McConnell insists that delegates must focus on devolved policy issues.

But anti-war MSPs have said they intend to hold an Iraq debate at the conference in Dundee this weekend.

The fringe event is being organised in protest at official plans to discuss the international crisis behind closed doors.

Mr McConnell said: "We live in a free society and I would encourage the maximum possible debate on all of these issues.

I think we do have to look at the rules because otherwise the conference just seems to me to become sort of a happy-clappy rally event, rather than a conference Elaine Smith MSP

"But I also want to make sure the conference this weekend does have a real debate about issues like health and education and business."

Labour party bosses have already refused to allow a public discussion or vote at the conference.

Instead, party chairman Dr John Reid is to take questions in private on Friday night.

At the same time, the Campaign for Socialism is preparing to stage a rival debate, open to the media.

Open debate

MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Elaine Smith, believes the conference should be able to debate the Iraq situation.

"I think we do have to look at the rules because otherwise the conference just seems to me to become sort of a happy-clappy, rally event rather than a conference," she said.

Delegates may also attempt to force a conference ballot on military action by tabling an emergency motion.

But the party argues the private discussion will allow more voices to be heard, and with greater impact on government thinking.

Cancellation threat

MP Tam Dalyell said it would be seen as "stark raving bonkers" to avoid an open debate.

It is possible the country could already be at war when Labour members gather at the Caird Hall.

It has also been speculated that the event could be severely cut back, or even cancelled altogether, because of the possiblity of war in Iraq.

Jack McConnell said: "It makes sense that following the House of Commons vote tonight, the Labour party will look at its arrangements for the weekend and whether there needs to be any adjustment to those arrangements."