Monday 13 January 2003

UK 'rejects' lone action against Iraq

The UK would not join American unilateral military action against Iraq, according to International Development Secretary Clare Short. Ms Short said the UK had a duty to try to keep the world united over the Iraq crisis and ensure the danger of Saddam Hussein was only tackled through the United Nations.

Other ministers have shied away from saying whether or not the UK would join America if it decided to act alone against Iraq. With US troop build-up continuing in the Gulf, Labour Chairman John Reid has denied there is widespread disquiet about the handling of the Iraq crisis. Two surveys in Sunday newspapers point to deep unease about the prospect of war among Labour activists. Despite cold weather, a group of 30 peace campaigners went naked in East Sussex for their latest protest against any military action.

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