THREE MPs in Wharfedale and Aireborough this week expressed their misgivings about the bombing of Afghanistan.

They took time out to speak to this newspaper after being contacted by worried constituents throughout the area wanting to know what was likely to happen next.

New worries about terrorism in the air are already taking their toll on airlines, reflecting fears of an escalation in warfare, and society's vulnerability to international terrorism.

And the added fear of anthrax and other biological warfare being brought into this country has added to the general concern.

Leeds North-West MP Harold Best (Lab) told voters at a pre-election forum in June that he was against all forms of war.

He has now written to Prime Minister Tony Blair, condemning the terrorist attacks of September 11 - but says he would have preferred to see the terrorists brought to justice in front of judge and jury.

Mr Best, who has received letters from concerned constituents, said he would have preferred any 'defensive' military actions against a terrorist threat to be taken by the United Nations as a whole.

"I think the appropriate agency to organise such international action is the United Nations, not a military alliance. Those suspected of these crimes must be pursued and brought to justice before an international court," he said.

Mr Best said he believed many Afghan people might still be unaware of the attacks on New York and Washington, as they did not have access to television, or other media.

He said even as an MP, he did not have greater access to information about the military campaign - or the evidence linking the Al Qaida organisation to the terrorist attacks - than most members of the public.

The proximity of the US listening post base at Menwith Hill to Wharfedale also concerned Mr Best. He has spoken out against the base in the past.

Now he says its role in monitoring terrorist actions, and preventing the deaths of more innocent people, represents a 'legitimate use' - but it could make Yorkshire a target.

"It's the wider threat that troubles myself and others. It becomes automatically a prime target for people or a hostile power which wants to bring an end to its functions."

Keighley and Ilkley MP Ann Cryer (Lab) would like to see a UN peacekeeping force go into Afghanistan to help with humanitarian efforts. She said she hoped the US and British bombing campaign would be successful very quickly, and hoped the bombing would not be prolonged.

But she said no-one could predict how long the terrorist threat would remain.

"I don't think there are any assurances I or anyone else can give. I think this situation could go on almost indefinitely, and it could get nastier before it gets better," she said.

Mrs Cryer has raised the issue of the treatment of Afghan women under the Taliban over the past few years, and hopes there will be greater humanitarian efforts to help Afghan civilians.

"Their life has been an absolute misery for the last 20 years. I think whatever we're doing, the bombing isn't going to change that. There has to be land forces going in at some point.

She is also concerned about the destabilising effect the bombing raids are having on Pakistan - and fears a continuation of the strikes may cause the fall of the Pakistani government - and could even have a negative effect on relations with India.

Aireborough and Horsforth MP Paul Truswell (Lab) said he had received letters from constituents who were concerned that military action against Afghanistan might be an 'over-reaction'.

He said: "The only assurance I can give is that I will press for the most peaceful course of action to be taken. My natural instinct is always to press for the most diplomatic and peaceful course.

"Obviously it's difficult when you are dealing with people who are fanatics, and are willing to commit suicide in the light of their extreme views."

He said most people who had written to him wanted assurances that the British and US military strikes have not been revenge attacks, and that there was minimal impact on Afghan civilians.

Mr Truswell said people were also anxious that the British and US military strikes were not viewed as an attack on Islam.