TONY BLAIR tonight faces his most serious rebellion since he became Prime Minister as dozens of Labour MPs oppose military action against Iraq.

In spite of a Commons performance that won praise from both sides of the House yesterday, Mr Blair will be deserted by many Labour MPs who say that the case for war has not yet been proven.

Around 80 have backed an amendment to that effect but it was not clear last night whether it would be selected for a vote after today’s debate. If it is not, many will switch to a Liberal Democrat amendment declaring that the diplomatic route has not been exhausted.

A number of Conservatives also signed the amendment saying that the case for war is unproven, including Kenneth Clarke, the former Chancellor and leadership contender. In so doing he has put himself in the opposite camp to Iain Duncan Smith, who will back Mr Blair.

Mr Blair left little doubt yesterday that he intends to press ahead in spite of the reservations within his party. He said it would be folly and weakness not to deal with Iraq’s weapons; President Saddam Hussein now had one last chance to disarm before the UN voted on a resolution which judges that he has failed to comply with its demands.

The Prime Minister has suffered other big parliamentary revolts, notably on single parents and disability benefits. But ministers admit that the refusal of many MPs to back him so close to the prospect of conflict is deeply worrying.

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