The Moderator of the Church of Scotland's general assembly has urged Tony Blair to try and prevent war against Iraq.

In a speech to the Kirk's annual Guild meeting, Reverend Dr Finlay Macdonald, asked the prime minister to advise restraint in Washington.

He also wanted Mr Blair not to commit British troops to any military action without a clear UN mandate and the support of parliament.

The Moderator said he feared another war in the Middle East would make a bad situation worse and inflict further suffering on the Iraqi people.

Dr Macdonald said UN was support essential

Dr Macdonald has written to the prime minister voicing his concern about an attack on Iraq.

He said Mr Blair should use his influence in Washington to counsel restraint at a time when senior American politicians are indicating that military action is imminent.

The Moderator also said that British troops should not be committed to fight alongside any American force without a clear UN mandate and the support of a majority of MPs.

He said: "If there is to be military action then it should be sanctioned by the United Nations.

"These have been the main points I have been making to the Guild today and I encourage members who agree with me to write to their MPs and the prime minister."

He said starting such a war was not an appropriate use of power.