Blair under pressure from Labour MPs over Iraq

The Prime Minister was facing angry Labour MPs today for the first time since the Iraq Survey Group officially confirmed that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Mr Blair was meeting backbenchers in private, where some were demanding a public apology for the war, and was also under pressure to make a statement in the House of Commons. The potential clash came as a new poll showed nearly two-thirds of the public disapprove of his handling of the war on terrorism.

Three-quarters thought the invasion of Iraq had increased the terrorist threat, despite this being a key justification for the war. Only four per cent believed the war had reduced the terrorist danger.

Two-thirds were worried about being attacked in Britain, the survey for the Associated Press agency revealed. The findings show Mr Blair has less support for the war than other members of the US-led alliance.

Former defence minister Peter Kilfoyle was putting down a Commons motion calling on the Government to admit it was started "on a false premise".