Blow for Blair as Iraq rift widens

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday endured the first government resignation over his Iraqi strategy as he struggled to muster international support for his tough stance against Saddam Hussein.

And Mr Blair's International Development Secretary, Clare Short, signalled that she will resign from the Government if Britain goes to war against Iraq without UN backing.

The blow came as US Secretary of State Colin Powell said he held out hope of securing a majority UN vote in favour of imposing the March 17 deadline for Saddam Hussein to prove he has disarmed.