Pensioner's 'human shield' offer

Karl Dallas is travelling to Iraq to offer himself as a human shield in the hope of preventing war in the country.

The 72-year-old musician and writer, who is based in Bradford, is travelling to Iraq with a group of peace campaigners on 15 February 2003 to "support humanity."

And Mr Dallas says he is not being unpatriotic with his trip to the Middle East, but believes the presence of Western peace campaigners will pose a moral dilemma for the government.

Political pawn

He told the BBC's Look North news programme: "I think it's right that Tony Blair should have a moral dilemma. Tony Blair is just ignoring public opinion so who is unpatriotic? I think he is."

Mr Dallas said he does not believe the groups will be used as political pawns by Saddam Hussein.

He said: "We will be on the streets, we will be with the people.

"I've been to Baghdad, I've worshipped with fellow Christians there."

Mr Dallas said he was prepared to die in the event of hostilities: "I know that's a risk, I'm an old man I've had a good life and I don't want it to be wasted."