MILITARY personnel from RAF Northolt were preparing for action in the Middle East yesterday as two of Hillingdon's three MPs voted no to war with Iraq.

Members of 32 (The Royal) Squadron sent the above picture back to RAF Northolt this week as Tory MP for Uxbridge John Randall and Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell voted against an attack on Saddam Hussein's Iraq in a rare display of unity.

Squadron Leader Bob Livingston, based at RAF Northolt, told the Times yesterday: "We have people from RAF Northolt detached in the Middle East and, indeed, all over the world.

"We are ready and prepared for whatever we need to do."

Meanwhile at Heathrow Airport, security remains at an increased level with armed police patrolling the area among anxious travellers.

The airport this week unveiled a new walk-through machine that checks passengers for explosives.

A spokesman for BAA Heathrow said: "We are in a fluid situation at the moment.

"Security remains at a heightened level at Heathrow.

"Armed police continue to regularly patrol Heathrow terminals."

He added: "BAA is in the process of recruiting hundreds more security staff in the coming weeks to reinforce all our security measures and provide a better service to passengers."

In the House of Commons on Tuesday Mr Randall voted against Tony Blair's war plans as did Mr McDonnell.

However, John Wilkinson, Tory MP for Ruislip and Northwood, voted with the Government and the decision to go to war.

Graham Lee, a member of Hillingdon Green Party, said: "Iraq is a country of around 27 million people who are going to be under attack, with a war that is of the making of the USA and British government.

"I can not support that and I will be in London again this Saturday protesting against this war."

Is your loved one serving in the Gulf? Call reporter Rachel Sharp on 01494 755112 or email rsharp@london.newsquest.co.uk