EAST Lancashire MP Greg Pope is calling for a special sitting of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to quiz Jack Straw about Iraq.

As Britain and the US move closer to a military strike against Saddam Hussein, he wants to hold the government to account about its plans.

With little sign of Prime Minister Tony Blair recalling Parliament, the Hyndburn backbencher believes a televised evidence session with the Foreign Secretary before the all-party group is the best alternative.

Mr Pope has e-mailed committee chairman Donald Anderson, his fellow members, and the clerk asking for the session.

And a spokesman for Blackburn MP Mr Straw said he would consider any request to attend.

Mr Pope said: "I think we need to hold the government to account on Iraq. We don't want to slide into war by stealth. "There seems to be little sign of a recall of Parliament; indeed there are problems with that. "

"So I believe that a televised session taking evidence from Mr Straw in public as soon as possible is the best way forward."