THE ARMY's decision to stop Prince Harry going to Iraq has been branded "a blow to morale" by a Hampshire MP.

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, who has actually served in Iraq, said he "wouldn't dream" of questioning the ruling, made yesterday by the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

He said: "Clearly this has very unfortunate consequences in that it creates the impression of a victory for the insurgents.

"It would be a blow to morale if a member of the royal family, who is a genuine member of the armed forces, a serving officer, a real soldier, is too precious to be sacrificed, to be put in harm's way.

"It reinforces the impression the insurgents may have a prop aganda victory.

"I don't think it is true but it creates that impression."

Mr Swayne, who spend five months in Iraq as a major in the Territorial Army in 2003, said the decision had been made on the basis that the prince would place British soldiers in "greater danger" by his presence.

The prince has always insisted he wanted to serve alongside his men wherever they were sent.

The announcement represents a U-turn by defence chiefs who said last month that the third- in-line to the throne would be joining troops in the Gulf.