Iraq's offer of talks on readmitting weapons inspectors to the country has received a muted reaction from the UK.

The Foreign Office said Saddam Hussein has a history of "playing games" and that Iraq's obligations were unchanged - it must allow "unfettered access for UN weapons inspectors - any time, any place, anywhere".

Iraq has invited the United Nations' chief weapons inspector to Baghdad for talks about restarting arms inspections.

The offer came a day after King Abdullah of Jordan said he believed UK Prime Minister Tony Blair had "tremendous concerns" about the prospect of war against Iraq.

A senior Labour MP argued a time limit should be set to test whether Iraq is serious about letting arms inspectors start work again.

Donald Anderson, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, told BBC News Online the offer should be viewed with scepticism but nevertheless be fully explored.