British MPs baulk at putting troops under US command

By COLIN BROWN

Furious British Labour politicians have warned Prime Minister Tony Blair that they have drawn a line in the sand over an American request for the deployment of more British troops.

MPs who had previously supported Blair in the vote on the war in Iraq said: "This far - and no further".

Government whips reported back to Blair of their alarm at the change of mood on the backbenches.

"The worm has turned," said one anti-war Labour MP.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon was also being blamed for mishandling a holding statement on the deployment of troops, after making it clear that Blair could not say "no" to President George W. Bush.

"He made a bad mistake," said one minister.

Labour MPs threatened to take their protests to the Prime Minister after Hoon had said they would not have a chance to vote against the deployment.

Hoon had been intending to play a "dead bat" over speculation that 650 members of the Black Watch would be deployed to replace American troops in Iskandariyah and Latifiyah, 32km south of Baghdad.

It would be the first time British troops have been deployed outside the Basra area and brought under US military command.

Hoon went to the Commons to announce that a British reconnaissance team would visit the area today to report back to the Chiefs of Staff on the United States request, which was made on October 10.

He insisted no decision had been taken but expected a final recommendation from the Chief of Defence Staff by the middle of the week.

Hoon infuriated Labour MPs when he told them that if Britain said "no" to Bush, "we will have failed in our duty as an ally".

Sir Gerald Kaufman, who voted for the war, warned Blair against putting the lives of British troops at risk to support the Republican President against his challenger, Senator John Kerry, in the presidential elections on November 2.

"I have not changed my view on the war but I do not want my Government to be manipulated by one of the most unscrupulous US Administrations that the US has ever seen."

Many Labour MPs believe Bush wants a decisive victory before polling day, and he needs British troops to relieve US troops before they attack insurgents in Fallujah.

Andrew Mackinlay, a Labour MP who supported the Government on the war, warned Blair that formerly loyal MPs would not stomach the deployment of troops to help Bush.

"The UK has given 110 per cent on this issue and some of us have provided political cover and support for this Government.

"I beg him not to stretch the envelope so much it will burst."

Some MPs believe Hoon intended to take the request to the full Cabinet on Friday and announce it during a thinly attended defence debate.

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Herald Feature: Iraq