RELIGIOUS leaders -- both Christian and Muslim -- were quick to unite in opposition to the war.

They said any justifications for military action were clearly unfounded and could have serious repercussions.

A joint statement issued by the Lancashire Council of Mosques and local Church of England representatives said: "We are still unconvinced of the moral legitimacy of taking the military option at this time, and we are profoundly anxious about the possible loss of lives, particularly civilians, in Iraq.

"We are also concerned as to the repercussions for the wider Middle East situation. In particular, we hope that the situation in Iraq will not undermine the excellent work that has been done to create good community relations in Lancashire."

In the Labour Party there were notable voices of dissension.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice was among them.

He said: "I haven't seen any compelling reasons why we should go to war with Iraq. The case has not been made."

In Burnley, Coun Mozaquir Ali, of Daneshouse ward, signalled his opposition to the war .

He said the approach, particularly that by the US, was not patient enough.

Coun Ali said: "This is a sad day for world peace and it is unfortunate that America has taken it upon itself to be the judge, jury and enforcer.

"We didn't give peace a chance and should have gone further down the line of diplomacy."