The Hindu : Two more U.K. Ministers resign

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2003

Front Page

Front Page

Two more U.K. Ministers resign

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON MARCH 18. The political crisis facing the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, deepened today after two more Ministers resigned protesting his decision to support an invasion of Iraq without a fresh U.N. mandate, but, much to his relief, the International Development Secretary, Clare Short, who had also threatened to quit was persuaded to stay on.

The Home Office Minister, John Denham, and the junior Health Minister, Lord Hunt, quit this morning even as the Government was still smarting from the resignation of the Leader of the Commons, Robin Cook, and his blistering attack on Mr. Blair's Iraq policy. Some more junior Ministers were also reported to be "considering" their positions.

The resignations came ahead of a crucial vote in Parliament over Iraq amid threats of a massive revolt by Labour MPs who planned to defy the party whip and oppose the official motion. Though there was no danger to the Government because of Labour's huge majority in the Commons and support from the Tories, Mr. Blair's own political authority would be greatly damaged by a sizeable show of defiance by party MPs at this juncture.

But a defiant Mr. Blair, braving interruptions from his own MPs, told the Commons that there was no question of a "retreat" and claimed that it was in the interest of Britain's national security to disarm Iraq. He called the divisions in Europe over the issue "misguided and dangerous".

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

Clock ticking away for Saddam Hussein

Contingency plan to evacuate Indians

"It is Bush who should leave"

Two more U.K. Ministers resign

Disappointed: India

PM hopes for peace

Ansari brought to Delhi

Abu Salem's remand extended

Prayers at Bhojshala

Five Pak. soldiers killed