Blix blow to Blair's second resolution hopes

Tony Blair's hopes of a United Nations mandate for war appeared slimmer than ever tonight after the French, Russians and Germans said they would not let it pass and the chief weapons inspector claimed there had been "proactive" cooperation by the Iraqis.

Mr Blair today told MPs he was "confident" of securing the second resolution, which polls suggest is vital if he is to retain the support of the public and many in his own party for British involvement in any military action.