MPs GORDON Prentice and Peter Pike today joined the rebellion against Tony Blair's preparations for a new Gulf War.
As Saddam Hussein pledged to die in Iraq rather than go into exile to avoid a US/UK led attack, they were among more than 70 Labour backbenchers telling the Prime Minister that the case for an attack on Baghdad was "not yet proven''.
Burnley MP Mr Pike and Pendle's Mr Prentice have signed an amendment to a Government motion calling for tough action against Iraq.
It is in the names of Mr Blair and Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw being debated and voted on today in the Commons.
In addition, Mr Prentice has praised US Senator Robert Byrd for attacking the "reckless and arrogant'' behaviour of US President George Bush and Britain on Iraq.
In all some 160 MPs from all parties including former Labour Cabinet Minister Chris Smith and Tory heavyweights Ken Clarke and Douglas Hogg as well as Liberal Demcorats are expected to vote against the government.
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