A Sussex MP has written to Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon opposing moves to send British troops to the US-run part of Iraq.

Hastings and Rye Labour MP Michael Foster said Britain should not be helping what could be a serious escalation of the conflict.

Tony Blair yesterday faced growing unrest among Labour MPs at the prospect of sending British troops to the lawless area south of Baghdad.

The Americans want Britain to help free up US troops to join the intensifying assault on the rebel stronghold of Fallujah.

Mr Foster said the move would be essentially political as George Bush attempts to prop up his presidential campaign.

Mr Foster, who did not support the Iraq conflict without a second UN resolution, said he hoped the Government would decide not to accept the US request.

In his letter to Mr Hoon, he said: "I acknowledge we are part of the coalition. I also note your view the decision will be operational, not political. However, I do not understand the distinction.

"In my view, it is essentially political to assist President Bush in his venture into Fallujah.

"I do not believe we should be facilitating what could be a serious escalation of the conflict.

"Neither do I believe we should be placing British troops into a dangerous situation that has been created, at least in part, by US ineptitude."

Mr Foster said the ideal solution would be the replacement of US and British troops with a United Nations peacekeeping force. He acknowledged Britain could not simply walk out of Iraq until something else was put in place.

He said: "I am proud and impressed by the way our troops have performed."