Blair urges MPs to back him on Iraq

The British Prime Minister today appealed for MPs to back him in standing firm against Iraq as military action loomed.

Facing possibly the biggest backbench rebellion of his premiership, Mr Blair admitted: “This is a tough choice indeed. But it is also a stark one.

“To stand British troops down now and turn back or hold firm to the course we have set.

“I believe passionately that we must hold firm to that course.”

In one of the most important speeches of his political career, Mr Blair said what was at stake would determine the pattern of international politics for the next generation.

Opening the key full-day debate on Iraq, he repeatedly accused Saddam Hussein of failing to disclose full details of his weapons of mass destruction and said Britain must act.

Critics of the decision to back the US in taking military action against Saddam Hussein unless he leaves Iraq are hoping to muster an even bigger rebellion than last month, when 122 Labour MPs defied the whips.

Mr Blair’s plea came after the resignations of Home Office Minister John Denham and junior health minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath over the Government’s hardline stance on Iraq.

Leader of the Commons Robin Cook quit the Cabinet yesterday, insisting that he would join the rebels in voting against military action in tonight’s vote.

The Prime Minister was offered some comfort by the decision of International Development Secretary Clare Short not to join the list of ministerial resignations.

Ms Short said that that while she remained “very critical” of the Government’s handling of the Iraq crisis, it would be “cowardly” to quit at this stage.