MoD Information

Labour anti-war MPs

Thu, January 23, 2003

Source: Ananova News

Labour opponents of a war with Iraq have forced a symbolic vote against the Government's policy in the Commons

Labour opponents of a war with Iraq have forced a symbolic vote against the Government's policy in the Commons. In an act of defiance, after the deployment of thousands of troops, the rebels staged the technical vote at the end of a stormy debate on defence policy.

The procedural motion to adjourn the House was opposed by 53 votes to nil.

Normally such a debate would end without a vote but the rebels forced one as the only means of showing their opposition to possible military action looming against Saddam Hussein.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon faced a barrage of criticism from his own side as he defended the Government's policy on Iraq and backing for the US missile defence system.

Mr Hoon was forced on the defensive by a succession of critical backbenchers, including former ministers Doug Henderson and Tony Banks.

Opening the debate, he strongly denied reports that British troops were being sent to fight Saddam Hussein poorly equipped and insisted that Britain could not ignore the threat from "rogue" states like Iraq.

"If we don't deal with these threats the consequences will haunt future generations," he warned.

But Labour's Alice Mahon (Halifax) accused the Government of "dishonesty and cowardice," claiming Mr Blair had already promised support to President Bush for military action.

Former armed forces minister, Mr Henderson (Lab Newcastle Upon Tyne N) pointed to newspaper reports that Falklands war hero Simon Weston was among those now warning that to strike against Iraq was wrong.