Blair faces growing revolt from MPs

Tony Blair looked set to delay the deployment of British troops close to Baghdad as a Labour revolt gathered pace today.

He was facing a hostile reaction from MPs in the Commons. In a show of strength, 45 of his backbenchers signed a Commons motion against the move, including former health secretary Frank Dobson and three other ex-ministers.

A decision had been expected at Cabinet tomorrow, but that looked set to be held back until next week to allow more time for the military to examine the options.

With dozens of MPs who previously backed the US-led invasion expressing anger, a rebellion has the potential to become the biggest since Labour took office.

Downing Street was resisting calls for a Commons vote on the decision, with critics claiming Mr Blair would be defeated if MPs were allowed to decide.

Former Commons leader Robin Cook, who quit the Cabinet over the war, said the rebellion went far wider than that over the vote to approve the invasion in 2003.

He said: "What ought to really worry the Government is the large number of Labour MPs who supported the war and have loyally toed the line since, but who now cannot understand why their Government is taking an even more controversial step." Mr Blair appeared to be startled by the ferocious reaction from MPs, in particular the refusal of many to believe his assurances that the move had nothing to do with bolstering President George Bush's reelection campaign.

There was also open scepticism about the official claims that no decision has yet been taken.