The Conservative leader has challenged Tony Blair over the lack of an effective plan for post-conflict Iraq.

Quoting from a letter signed by 52 former diplomats, Michael Howard asked whether the government had done enough to prepare for the topping of Saddam Hussein.

The prime minister hit back by reminding MPs that the Conservatives had backed the conflict. He also called for total support for troops facing a tough task in combating the recent insurgent violence.

"At a time when coalition forces, including British forces, are engaged in trying to defeat these former regime elements and terrorists... when reconstruction in Iraq is going ahead subject to this appalling attack by terrorists on coalition forces, I would have hoped he would actually support those forces," he said.

Blair said the US-led coalition was pursuing a "very clear" military strategy in Iraq.

Howard he said he would not be put off asking "perfectly legitimate and relevant questions" by Blair's counter-attack.

Moving on, Howard asked whether the recent increase in violence had resulted in the need for more British troops on the ground.

"Let me put to him again some of my questions. What say, if any, should the Iraqi authorities have on the deployment of coalition troops after June 30?" he asked.

"Does the government think that the Iraqi authorities should have the right to decide on what happens to any insurgents captured by coalition forces?

"Have the Americans asked us for more troops, will more be sent?" he asked the prime minister.

Blair said that future troop numbers were being kept "under constant review".

Falluja

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also asked Blair what discussions he had held with the White House on sending more British troops to