Government hit by more resignations

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

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

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

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

Ms Short said she remained "very critical" of the handling of the Iraq crisis, even though she is staying on in Government.

In an extraordinary statement the International Development Secretary said that until today she had believed that she should quit.

But she has now decided that resignation would be "cowardly" as she would be making no contribution to the problems ahead.

Mr Denham said: "I have this morning resigned from the Government as I cannot support the Government in tonight's vote.

"I met the Prime Minister this morning to explain my reasons. I also spoke with the Home Secretary. I hope to speak in the debate later today."

Earlier junior health minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath announced he was stepping down saying: "I have decided to resign from the Government because I don't support the pre-emptive action which is going to be taken without broad international support or indeed the clear support of the British people."

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