The debate over the rights and wrongs of the action in Iraq is still in full flight in all corners of the world.

On our own doorstep there has been a healthy, sometimes heated, exchange of views on Iraq which will no doubt be cranked up through the visit of MP Robin Cook next month.

At the same time, in a different but linked wrangle, the threat to the future of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment gathers pace.

Times and needs obviously change but it is the job of the Government of the day to ensure that it provides the best possible and most effective ways, in terms of equipment, manpower and cost, to meet defence needs.

Major changes were announced by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon this summer, which sparked an outcry.

It is now accepted by most that the battle to reverse those changes has been lost. But, since then pressure has increased to make further cuts and changes.

If this goes ahead, it is claimed the plans for a Yorkshire Regiment, which would save names and traditions, including those of "The Dukes", would be wrecked.

Each of the Yorkshire regiments embroiled in this current brouhaha is quite rightly defending its name and have expressed determination to fiercely resist any further changes.

As the new battle gets under way it does no harm to stand back and remember that 600 "Dukes" are back in Iraq, after a gap for some of them of only ten months. The commanding officer of the 600 "Dukes" Lieutenant Colonel Phil Lewis says with pride that the battalion is ready for what is likely to be a hard and demanding operational tour. The tremendous quality they have is their quiet vigour and determination to do a good, fair job, in often highly tense, difficult situations. He says the way they conduct themselves in these situations speaks volumes about the qualities of Yorkshire people.

Next month more "Dukes" from the TA, including ten from Keighley, will be going to Iraq to help maintain security and carry out peace-keeping duties.

Mr Hoon and his advisors need to know the distress and anger they have caused among lots of people, especially those whose sons, husbands and brothers are putting their lives on the line.

What kind of Minister would countenance continuing a debate over the future of "The Dukes" at such a time? Does he not realise that it is because of the regiment's historical ties to the area that men and women are always at the ready to enlist as one of "Yorkshire's Warriors"? Mr Hoon should make a public statement now saying that no matter what structural changes are made, the names of these Yorkshire regiments will be saved, along with their cap badges.

The supreme irony is that "The Dukes" will be helping deal with security issues so that democratic elections can be held in Iraq and the voices of the people heard.

Mr Hoon should bear that in mind and take note of the people who are petitioning him to re-think.