Politicians often say we live in troubled times - that's never been truer than it is today Michael Ancram MP, shadow foreign secretary

Mr Ancram told Welsh Conservatives meeting in Cardiff: "The time of decision cannot long be delayed."

He spoke as United Nations chief weapons inspector Hans Blix told the UN security council his team needs months in Iraq.

The deputy Tory leader said: "I believe, over the next few days, our prime minister will be asked to take decisions that will probably be the hardest of his life. "

Credibility

Mr Ancram indicated the Conservatives would continue to support military action - even without a second UN resolution.

Hans Blix said Iraq showed a 'measure of disarmament'

"None of us underestimate the importance of the UN in this matter," he said.

"While a second or, more accurately, resolution may not strictly be necessary, there is no doubt in my mind that the credibility, acceptability of any action will be strengthened by the maximum international support."

Mr Ancram gave a pledge that his party would continue to back Mr Blair over Iraq "as long as he does what is right, because it is right to do so".

'Troubled'

He also said: "Politicians often say we live in troubled times. I think that's never been truer than it is today."

These are not the actions of a regime that is disarming, these are the actions of a regime engaged in a wilful charade President Bush

He said the Tories did not give the prime minister their support lightly and it would be easier to play "the cynical Liberal Democrat game of facing in all directions at the same time".

Mr Ancram said: "The Liberal Democrats' behaviour has been despicable. They have even outdone their own usual low standards in the way they have responded."

Mr Ancram devoted much of his speech to foreign affairs, but also spoke about Wales as the Tories prepare for Welsh Assembly elections on 1 May.

Devolution

He raised some eyebrows among delegates by referring back to the devolution referendum of 1997.

In recent days, senior Tories in Wales have been pointing out that, while the Conservatives were at the forefront of the "No" campaign, many members of other parties were also opposed to the assembly.

Mr Ancram told delegates: "It may be a little politically incorrect to say so now, but then political correctness was never my strongest suit. But we so nearly did it."

Observers believe this identification of the Conservative party with opposition to the Assembly may embarrass senior Tories who now present themselves as accepting the existence of devolution.

Party leader Iain Duncan Smith is due to address delegates on Saturday.