Third minister quits over Iraq

Tony Blair was today hit by a third resignation from his Government as the Home Office Minister John Denham quit the Government over the looming war against Iraq.

Home Office Minister John Denham today became the third minister to resign over the Iraq crisis.

"I have this morning resigned from the Government as I cannot support the Government in tonight's vote," he said in a statement.

"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."

Commenting on the loss of his minister, Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "I am very sorry that John has decided to leave the government.

"I know that he has thought hard about this decision.

"He has made a major contribution to the Labour Government as a minister since 1997 and I have thanked him for his excellent work on police reform and civil resilience in his two years as Home Office Minister of State.

"I know he will continue to have an important role to play in the future."

Second resignation

The resignation comes just hours after junior health minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath announced he is stepping down, saying: "I have agonised over this issue for many weeks, but I have decided today 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."

These latest decisions follow Robin Cook's resignation yesterday as Leader of the House of Commons.

Later Lord Hunt said: "I'm under no illusion about the nature of the regime led by Saddam Hussein.

"I recognise the tremendous efforts made by the Prime Minister and other ministers to try and secure a second resolution.

"But I do not feel we are justified in taking pre-emptive action without broad international support, or the clear support of the British people.

"I'm also concerned about the long-term consequences for international stability of such pre-emptive action."

Support for Robin Cook

Former Leader of the House Robin Cook received a rare standing ovation in the Commons last night after an empassioned speech over his resignation and a plea to MPs to vote against war.

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