Blair wins war vote in Commons

[ciphergoth]

BBC News: Blair wins war backing amid revolt

Amid dramatic scenes in the Commons, 217 MPs - as many as 139 of them Labour backbenchers - backed a rebel amendment opposing the government's stance on Iraq, saying there is no moral justification for war without a new UN resolution. A motion backing the government's position was passed by 412 vote to 149.

Not in my name, for what little it's worth.

Comments

[olethros.livejournal.com]

I've just heard, of all people, William Hague coming out with a great quote. On Clare Short: "I have never seen a more spectacular failure to resign. It was whispered in the corridors last week that the Prime Minister would take his revenge in due course, and in persuading her to stay on I think he has done just that."

[velvetfox.livejournal.com]

I heard that earlier :) I laffed

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

*nods* she'll have to resign now - her position is becoming untenable if even William Vague is scoring points off her.

[ciphergoth.livejournal.com]

But now, instead of resigning in a blaze of principled glory, she'll resign in ignomy, shot by both sides.

I think the rebellion is large enough that those who took part will be accepted back into the fold. She won't, though, she's made too much of a prat of herself...

[rathgild.livejournal.com]

Which is a shame because she is the one politician that *seems* to actually care about what will happen to the people of Iraq.

It's even more of a shame that most of our politicians appear to care more about their own careers, or other countries affairs, than the needs and concerns of their constituents. I'm pleased that Mark Lazarowicz rebelled against the govt, and I'm sad that I don't think I will be able to vote for him purely on the basis that this will be praising the unprincipled leader of his party.

[ciphergoth.livejournal.com]

Where did you find the voting records of MPs on this issue? I'd like to know how Alastair Darling voted - I heard he was wavering...

[djm4]

On the BBC's site (votes for the amendment, rather than the main motion).

Both Alistair Darling and Clare Short voted with the government.

[rathgild.livejournal.com]

Hell I've been bad mouthing an old friend who I campaigned for when he was a Leeds City Councillor as a Blairite yes man and he's on the list of rebels. John Battle forgive me I take it all back. You've retained some integrity after all.

[vampwillow]

what hasn't been made much of is how many abstained on the main vote. Losing 1/3 of your party in the amendment looks like carelessness, but another 30 going awol between votes...

[reddragdiva]

It has votes for the main motion as well.

Mine, Andrew Dismore, voted against the main motion, but didn't vote for the amendment. That's enough. I shall have to send another fax on the issue :-)

[countess-sophia.livejournal.com]

Nor mine. It's utter wickedness.

Soph x