MY mail bag is still dominated by letters on the situation in Iraq.

I've met with church groups in Westminster to discuss these concerns and I can report that, to date, every single e-mail and letter I have received has expressed concern at any UK/USA-led war.

We must work with the United Nations and we must allow their weapons inspectors more time. Things are moving fast at the moment but, at this stage, I could not support military action; the case has just not been made.

A few weeks ago, I questioned the Prime Minister about his policy towards Zimbabwe. If he really does believe in an ethical foreign policy, then surely finding a way to avoid our cricketers playing in Zimbabwe should be found, even if that means paying compensation to the cricket board.

I was pleased to join local Conservative MPs and fellow Liberal-Democrat colleagues in a debate in Westminster to try to save King Edward VII Hospital. It provides essential radiography treatment for my constituency and its closure will cause even greater delays.

I am pleased that the hospital has been given funds to keep it open for a couple more months while the possibility of a longer term plan is investigated.

Locally, I spent a day in Whiteley, on the edge of my constituency, talking to the doctors, teachers and businesses in the area.

I held a surgery in Bishop's Waltham and Upham and was delighted to be able to congratulate Sheila Dear on the MBE she received in the New Years Honours for her dedication and commitment as the cook at Upham School.

In Swanmore, I visited a wonderfully organised pre-school group called The Greenery.

Finally, I had some fun training with Winchester Football Club in an effort to help promote them and their plans to expand their community involvement.

I realised just how unfit I was when half an hour's training left me exhausted on the sidelines!

Mark Oaten,

MP for Winchester