Church leaders, MP and councillors say their thoughts are with the families of British troops involved in the war against terrorism.

Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper said: "It would have been wrong to have reacted immediately with military action.

"I think our Prime Minister has probably been a restraining force on those people in the US who wanted a swift military resolution.

"Instead other the last four weeks we have established a real coalition which stretches across continents, religions and Governments."

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "I think any strikes should be clearly directed towards military targets and civilians avoided. Not only is that morally right, but it is the only way to keep the coalition together."

Prayers for the victims of the conflict will be led by church leaders in the wake of the bombing of Afghanistan.

The Bishop of Chichester, the Right Rev John Hind, made a shared plea for humanity with the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Kieran Conry, the Rev Nigel Uden of the United Reform Church, the Rev Martin Broadbent of the Methodist Church and the Rev David Hall of Baptist Churches in Sussex.

In a joint statement, they said: "We are praying urgently that this conflict will be short and that there will be minimal loss of life.

"Our prayers are with all those in danger at the moment and those with heavy responsibilities.

"We also want to urge the importance of maintaining the highest possible level of humanitarian aid during and after the conflict."

Canon Anthony Whale, of Arundel Cathedral, said: "This action is inevitable. There are too many governments which are prepared to sponsor terrorist organisations.

"Unfortunately, sadly, in our times one does have to resort to force but with great regret."

Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner said he hoped the attacks were as clearly controlled as people had been led to believe.

"The first fear was that Bush was going to go in quickly but the fact that some time has passed before these attacks happened makes me hope that they have been effective."

West Worthing MP Peter Bottomley said: "I am glad that the allies are putting as much effort into humanitarian relief as they are in a military campaign."

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton said: "It is important to stress this is not a war against the Afghan people. It is against the terrorists who use them for cover.

"It is vital there is a coalition to deal with and protect the refugees who were already fleeing the country before September 11."

Brian Oxley, leader of the opposition on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I am pleased they are going for the terrorist camps and trying to minimise the civilian casualties.

"It is typical of the US to bomb the terrorists and at the same time drop food and supplies for the civilian people. It shows their generosity of spirit."

Hove MP Ivor Caplin said: "Britain is quite rightly playing a key part not just in the military campaign but in the humanitarian and diplomatic campaigns.

"Our thoughts are with the British troops as they go into combat."

Coun Paul Elgood, Liberal Democrat Leader on Brighton and Hove City Council said: "I am glad Parliament has been recalled. It is important the Prime Minister is accountable to MPs for the actions he has taken."

Francis Clark-Lowes, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said he was against the bombing in Afghanistan.

The terrorists should be brought to justice through the intervention of the UN, however difficult that may be, he added.

"The way a super power is seen to be bullying a small and relatively defenceless nation will not help bring peace in the Middle East."