Cook quits over Iraq crisis

Robin Cook has resigned from Tony Blair's cabinet as the build-up to war with Iraq gathers pace.

The decision by the Leader of the House of Commons, one of the highest profile figures in the Labour Party, came as the cabinet held an emergency meeting in Downing Street.

The UK, US and Spain have effectively abandoned their efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the stand-off.

They are not putting their draft resolution to a vote in the United Nations Security Council - citing French intransigence.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "There are only two options left - either Saddam goes into exile or he is disarmed by force."

The Legality Of War

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is set to make a Commons statement about the crisis at about 2200 GMT on Monday.

Amid growing disquiet among his backbenchers, Mr Blair will address the Parliamentary Labour Party ahead of a Commons debate on Tuesday.

A vote will then follow on the government's stance.

Mr Prescott said the prime minister would ask for support if the "last resort" of war was needed, and would be setting out the humanitarian effort to rebuild Iraq.

MPs will also hear on Monday evening a personal statement from former Foreign Secretary Mr Cook.

As he left the government ranks, Mr Cook, who saw Mr Blair before the cabinet, said: "It is with regret I have today resigned from the cabinet.

"I can't accept collective responsibility for the decision to commit Britain now to military action in Iraq without international agreement or domestic support."

Short's questions

There had been speculation that International Development Secretary Clare Short, who has already threatened to resign, might follow Mr Cook onto the back benches on Monday.

But as she left Number 10 with cabinet colleagues, Ms Short ignored questions about whether she was still in the government.

Number 10 says Ms Short does have the prime minister's confidence, but her allies say she is considering her position overnight.

Mr Cook is the first ministerial exit over Iraq policy, and a major blow to Mr Blair as he faces a growing rebellion within his own party.

His departure was called "very honourable" by former cabinet minister Chris Smith.

Mr Smith told BBC News 24: "He is a very senior, formidable, weighty figure and he will be a great loss to the government."

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell was unsurprised by the move.

"It was always likely that Robin Cook, who sought to introduce an ethical dimension into foreign policy, would find the ambiguity of the government's position too much to tolerate," said Mr Campbell.

Conservative shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram pressed Mr Blair to ensure his cabinet spoke with one voice.

A poll conducted by ICM for the Guardian suggested that public backing for the prime minister's stance on Iraq may have increased.

Support for military action has risen by 9% to 38% with opposition falling 8% to 44%, according to the poll.

As the signs of imminent war grew, the Foreign Office advised all Britons in Kuwait, except diplomatic staff, to leave the country. The US has advised UN weapons inspectors to leave Iraq.

The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, said legal authority for war came from three previous UN resolutions.

Analysis: Blair's future on line In an effort to win over sceptics ministers are repeating assurances about the security of Iraq's oil reserves and efforts to resolve the Palestinian crisis.

Ahead of Tuesday's Commons debate, MPs warn they will table an amendment stating there is no moral justification for war without a new resolution.

More Labour MPs than the 122 who voted against the government last time are expected to rebel this time.

Ex-Labour whip Graham Allen and a group of MPs, including former cabinet minister Chris Smith, are drawing up the amendment.

It would make clear their support for British troops but challenge the "moral authority" of war.

The Stop The War Coalition is this Saturday organising a repeat of last month's peace rally, which attracted between 750,000 and two million people.