BRITISH involvement in the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan could have fuelled the London terror bombings, it was claimed today.

Terrorism and security experts said there was no doubt that the Iraq war imposed particular difficulties for the UK and that the conflicts had boosted al Qaida propaganda, recruitment and fundraising.

The report, from an influential think tank, contradicts Prime Minister Tony Blair's insistence that it is wrong to link the London attacks to military operations in the Islamic world.

He said terrorism was the result of an "evil ideology" and not a response to Iraq or other policies.

Report authors Frank Gregory, of the University of Southampton and Professor Paul Wilkinson, of the University of St Andrews, said: "There is no doubt that the situation over Iraq has imposed particular difficulties for the UK, and for the wider coalition against terrorism."

They added: "The UK is at particular risk because it is the closest ally of the United States."

Defence Secretary John Reid denied the claim and said the British public would not want the Government to "stand back while others take on the terrorists".