MORALE among British soldiers serving in Iraq is still high despite the wave of casualties hitting their ranks, says New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne.

Mr Swayne, an officer with the Territorial Army, is currently serving as a major in Southern Iraq after being called up for military service three months ago.

In a dispatch from the Gulf, the MP said: "We have in the last few days passed the grim statistic of 50 British soldiers killed in Iraq.

"Despite this the morale of British troops remains high. We have a clearly understood mission and the professionalism to carry it out. Most of our troops have operational experience in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. They are quite used to difficult and dangerous situations."

Moves to stabilise Iraq have taken a severe blow with the bombing of the UN base in Baghdad, renewed attacks on coalition troops and the bombing in Najaf.

There have already been attempts to blame the carnage on failures by the coalition forces.

"This is unfair but we have broad shoulders," said Mr Swayne.

"Better for the present that they blame us than that they turn on each other, which was exactly the intention of the perpetrators of the bombings."

He said above all that the temptation to throw in the towel should be resisted.

"If we were to leave now, Iraq would become a haven for international terrorists, said Mr Swayne.

"I have met too many US and British servicemen for whom this is their second tour of duty in Iraq. We all want to avoid a third."

Despite television images showing violent crowds, Mr Swayne said the vast majority of the people just want peace and prosperity.

"Every time I am out among the population, I am constantly approached with genuine friendliness and generosity.

"They are grateful for the efforts we are making in rebuilding the civil infrastructure."