British MPs Urge Blair to Recall Parliament over Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, September 06, 2002

British MPs Urge Blair to Recall Parliament over Iraq

British members of parliament (MPs) on Thursday again urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to recall the parliament to discuss America's war threat on Iraq and Britain's role in it.

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British members of parliament (MPs) on Thursday again urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to recall the parliament to discuss America's war threat on Iraq and Britain's role in it.

Blair is scheduled to fly to American for talks with US President George W. Bush to discuss possible military action against Iraq. He now faces renewed pressure from MPs for an early recall of parliament.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, a parliament member, said it was "absolutely imperative" for the prime minister to address members of parliament "as soon as practically possible" on his return to London from America.

Kennedy told the BBC radio that he had written to Blair, putting the case for a full debate of the issues concerning British support in any attack.

"It's a sad day if democratic forums like the House of Commons are silent while the discussion is going on literally everywhere else," he added.

Tam Dalyell, a member of the House of Commons and also member of Blair's Labor Party, also added to the pressure on the prime minister to reconvene parliament before October 15 -- when it is due to begin work following a summer recess.

"One of the most important reasons for a recall of parliament is that the Americans should be aware of the diversity of opinion in Britain on this matter," Dalyell said.

"The prime minister has to take into account whether it is fairon the armed forces to send them into battle when there is considerable doubt about the conviction of this country on the need for that battle," he added.

Iain Duncan Smith, leader of Britain's Conservative Party and who backs Blair over the need for possible military action, also said parliament should have an opportunity to discuss the matter at "the very earliest opportunity."

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