Blair hit by third resignation as war looms

Britain's Tony Blair was today rocked by two more ministerial resignations as he prepared for today’s crunch Commons debate on Iraq.

Britain's Home Office minister John Denham joined the British junior health minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath in announcing that he was leaving the British government because he could not support its policy over Iraq.

The announcements follow last night’s dramatic resignation statement by Britain's Leader of the Commons Robin Cook.

With a war just hours away, the British Prime Minister was offered some respite with the news that International Development Secretary Clare Short would not be joining the list of ministerial resignations.

In an extraordinary statement, she said that she remained “very critical” of the British government’s handling of the Iraq crisis but had decided that it would be “cowardly” to quit at this stage.

Mr Blair is now facing the prospect of an even bigger Commons rebellion than the 121 Labour MPs who voted against the government in the last Commons debate on Iraq.

It could leave him dangerously dependent on the votes of the Tories – who are backing war – as he orders British troops into action alongside their American allies.

Earlier, United Nations weapons inspectors left Baghdad in the final confirmation that the search for a peaceful solution was over and that conflict was imminent.

In a televised address to the American people at 1am Irish time, US President George Bush delivered a final ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to leave the country or be removed by force.

His announcement set the clock ticking for an invasion which could start early on Thursday or some time on Friday.

Hostilities could begin even sooner if Saddam decides to launch a pre-emptive strike – possibly against Kuwait, where allied forces are massing, or Israel.

For the moment, however, the focus was on Westminster where tonight’s vote could have a profound bearing on the long-term future of Mr Blair’s government.

The British Prime Minister, who will open the debate himself, was this morning addressing a private meeting of Britain's Parliamentary Labour Party.

The unprecedented standing ovation given to Mr Cook by some Labour MPs after his resignation statement last night will have left Mr Blair in no doubt that he faces a bitterly divided party.

Mr Blair spent much of last night meeting small groups of waverers to try to win them round.

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott this morning urged British Labour MPs to rally round the British Prime Minister.

“I appeal directly to my own colleagues to support us in this situation, to support a leader who, as Robin (Cook) has said, is one of the best leaders we have had, who has exercised good judgment, who has clearly shown honesty and integrity,” he said.

“It is called leadership.”