South West MPs vote against war

South West MPs vote against war

A total of 139 Labour MPs think there is no moral case for war

A total of six Labour MPs from the region voted for the rebel amendment saying there was no moral case for war against Iraq.

One Tory and six Liberal Democrats from the region also rebelled against the government on Tuesday night.

The Labour MPs were Valerie Davey (Bristol West), Doug Naysmith (Bristol North West), Roger Berry (Kingswood), Parmjit Dhanda (Gloucester), David Drew (Stroud) and Diana Organ (Forest of Dean).

Conservative MP Dr Andrew Murrison (Wetsbury) also backed the rebels.

It is more dangerous for Britain, Iraq and the Middle East peace process not to commit troops to war

Julia Drown MP

How did your MP vote?

Parmjit Dhanda MP told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "What I have always said is that we may need to use military action - but only through a second UN resolution.

"We have not got that resolution and for me my constituents come first.

"I think they share my beliefs that we could have gone further down the UN path."

'Iraq issue'

Swindon South Labour MP Julia Drown backed the government's call for military action and voted against the rebel amendment.

She says it was not an easy choice to make.

"In my judgement it is more dangerous for Britain, Iraq and the Middle East peace process not to commit troops to war.

"We have to get the issue of Iraq dealt with."

A total of 139 Labour MPs rebelled against the government on Tuesday night in the first vote.