Blair asks for support in parliament

The Biritish Commons has opened up what is expected to be 10 hours of debate on a war support resolution. Political observers are expecting the biggest backbench rebellion in Blair's premiership, while three members of the government have resigned in protest.

Rebel MPs have drawn up an amendment to the government's motion stating there is no moral justification for war without a new resolution.

The last debate on the Iraq crisis saw 122 Labour MPs voting against the government and rebels hope more will join then this time.

Moving the amendment, former Labour Defence Minister Peter Kilfoyle called war "illegal, immoral and illogical".

Blair won a major victory when liberal icon Clare Short decided to stay in the cabinet, bolstering Blair's standing with the party's left wing (and perhaps damaging her own political credibility).

Then again, reports out of the UK are mixed, with some (like this one) indicating the rebellion may be losing steam.

Posted March 18, 2003 07:14 AM | Comments (26)