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Blair Set to Recall Parliament
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
By Charles Reiss
Political Editor

"It may not erupt and engulf us this month or next. Perhaps not even this year or next. But it will at some point. And I do not want it on my conscience that we knew the threat, saw it coming, and did nothing."

BLACKPOOL -- TIL
Tony Blair this afternoon moved closer than ever to war against Iraq as he declared that unless Saddam Hussein bowed to the will of the United Nations and did away with his weapons of mass destruction "action will follow."

The Prime Minister, in a key speech to a hostile audience at the TUC conference said he could not "in conscience" stand by knowing there was a real threat and do nothing about it.

Recalling two earlier military actions ordered by his government he continued: "On Kosovo, on Afghanistan, we did not rush. We acted in a sensible, measured way, when all other avenues were exhausted and with the fullest possible debate. We will do so again."

Mr. Blair was heard in intent silence by the conference, which only yesterday voted massively against any lone action by the US and Britain.

Although he said the threat from Saddam -- "this international outlaw and his barbaric regime" -- must and would be dealt with, he would ensure that not only the UN but Parliament would be fully consulted.

The Government is planning for an emergency recall of the Commons alongside publication of the longawaited dossier of evidence on the Iraqi armoury, as early as next week.
(More: ThisIsLondon.com News Source)
2002 © Associated Newspapers, Ltd.

Dan