The Prime Minister, Tony Blair weathered one of his greatest challenges as the Commons debated the government's motion on Iraq. The Government has won the main vote on its policy by 434 votes to 124. An amendment tabled by politicians of all parties saying the case for military action in Iraq had not yet been made, was defeated by 393 votes to 199. But the revolt over the amendment is the largest the Prime Minister has ever faced. What did you think of the debate? Tell us who your MP is. Were you happy with the way they voted?
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below. Your comments: Does anyone know what will happen after the war against Iraq is won? Will the US-UK joint war effort be creating so much hatred in the Arab world that more extremist acts will take place in the Middle East against western allies? Will this be followed by the need to step up aggressive policing by the pro-western governing bodies in Iraq and other Arab countries? Are we creating a situation which will only descend into an " Israel-Palestinian" relationship, i.e. the party with western support will continuously step up its effort to suppress other factions and extremists. Will this situation exist for generations to come?
Jimmy Lau, Hong Kong What a shambles! Our soldiers are poised to enter Iraq to remove WMD at great risk. The Labour far left who voted against the Government have shamefully proved themselves. unfit to enter such a magnificent debating chamber. The Liberals cannot expect the public to understand their politics if they don¿t understand it themselves.
Tony, UK : I just wish someone would tell us the whole story behind the scenes so we can make an informed decision about whether to support a war. I just get the feeling that as others have said on this web page - Tony is privy to more information than the rest of us and if he is going to smash a country's government he could at least give us a chance to know the whole story so we can support him... if appropriate.
Lawrence, UK  |  What a shameful bunch, I hope Tony Blair rubs their noses in it |
Tony Blair, great leader of a 'ship of fools' called the Labour Party. I thought the dogmatic days had gone but when the pressure is on they return to type. What a shameful bunch, I hope Tony Blair rubs their noses in it.
John K, Merseyside, UK I think it is appalling that these MPs only voice their concerns on issues they have no control over. On issues that concern the UK where they do have an influence, such as foot and mouth or the poor transportation system, they are silent. When will they show the courage to stand up for British issues?
Justin Tighe, UK It's not only the Labour leaders who are out of touch with the country (every opinion poll shows massive opposition to war unless backed by a specific UN resolution, i.e. one mentioning military force, not serious consequences). But the Conservative party is also out of touch with the views of its own voters. Roll on the next elections - let's have a clear out!
Andrew, UK A disgrace. All it tells you is which Labour MPs are "real" and which are Tony's cronies. As for the Tories, this was their chance to contest the government, with real public support and the shadow of Anglo-American collusion hanging over Tony Blair. They have blown it - my vote might be going to UKIP next time instead of Tory if they keep this up.
MIke R, UK The British people can discuss and debate until they are blue in the face. The UK and the US will liberate Iraq. Full stop! Let's stop the harping on, get on with it and free all the thousands who are suffering from Saddam's evil!
John Evans, UK Now our troops should be under no illusion. They are going to be asked to fight a war their countrymen and women do not want and do not approve of. There is still time to buy yourself out!
Charles, Scotland | It's all got much more to do with image than it has with what their constituents want |
As far as I understand it, only the Prime Minister and a handful of senior colleagues (eg the Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and NI Secretary) are privy to all of the security information that is available, and some of that may only be known by the PM. So of course those Labour MPs who think their credentials rely on an anti-war stance will oppose Mr Blair, but it would be much more difficult for them if they had the same information as the PM. It's all got much more to do with image than it has with what their constituents want anyway; after all, they're not above ignoring us when it suits them. We have no choice but to trust the PM, and personally I do.
Steve, UK I don't agree with Tony Blair's opinion on this topic, but I do admire the way he is sticking to his guns. I also admire the way in which he allowed members of the public into Downing Street to ask him questions. Couldn't really see that happening with Saddam in Iraq, could you?!
Simon, UK I wonder how many of the people here who have criticised their MP for voting for war actually bothered to vote in the last election.
Peter, UK The result is not a surprise. The Government voted correctly and despite public opinion, gave the green light for military action. The fact that Hans Blix has made it clear that Iraq is not cooperating fully combined with the thousands of British and US troops stationed on the boarders of Iraq (who should not wait for 5 months) swayed the Government in Blair's favour.
Paul, Greece | If the vote had been anonymous then the rebellion would have been even greater |
Brilliant to see some Labour MPs voting against Blair and reflecting the views of their constituents. If the vote had been anonymous then the rebellion would have been even greater. Let's hope that Blair now chooses to listen to Britain instead of the oil companies who are looking for a return on bankrolling Bush's election campaign.
Noel, UK How many people here have claimed that their MP is not representing their constituency by voting in support of Blair? What makes them any more qualified to judge the opinions of their neighbours than their MP? At least an MP can claim to have the democratic mandate of an election, something many people on this board do not have. Stop accusing the people that YOU put in office of not representing their constituency.
Geoff, UK Tony Blair has continually made the claim that a war with Iraq was a humanitarian and moral cause. If that is the case, why didn't he allow a free vote for Parliament? Surely our MPs have the morals required to vote with their conscience? I thought that was what democracy was all about. Why have a three line whip? Unless you know your cause is wrong in the first place?
David Gregson, NW England | All this vote has done is offer support to Saddam |
I'm afraid all this vote has done is offer support to Saddam, which in turn will mean that he will be less cooperative with the UN than before. Note he is already refusing to destroy the missiles the UN found that he shouldn't have. He wasn't saying this before the so called anti war march. The more support he is given by the unthinking masses the less likely he is to fulfil the UN resolutions. This way leads to war. If he had been faced by a united world, he may well have backed down.
Steve Thursby, UK Living in the largest democracy, it is heartening to note that dissent on the streets is translated into some form of action in the ultimate people's forum - the Parliament. Perhaps this will nudge Blair to cease crouching in the American shadow while conducting its foreign policy. It is time that Britain plucked up the courage to say NO and stops looking for benevolent scraps from across the pond in lieu of its support. It is hardly becoming of a great nation that Britain was to participate in this unstoppable unilateral juggernaut of America.
Sarah Mirza, India I support my MP, Kerry Pollard, who voted against the government
Jim Wright, UK | It hardly represents what the electorate demands |
It's an interesting result, but given the power of the whips it hardly represents what the electorate demands. Surely the fall-out of the coming war should be a complete reconstruction of British politics and political institutions.
Phil Yorke, London, UK Were all of you as impressed as I was by William Hague's performance? Blair was right, it did show us what we have all been missing.
Christopher Hobe Morrison, USA I thought I'd never say this but well done Ken Clarke
Adil, UK Some people! Tony gives them what they want, and they vote against him. Still now that that minor irritant is out of the way, he can get on with the real business of governing Britain. Doing exactly what that nice Mr Bush tells him to.
Garry Waddell, UK | When will Blair get the picture? |
The biggest rebellion in Parliamentary history, the biggest demonstration in London's history. When will Blair get the picture? WE DO NOT WANT WAR!!!
Vish, UK It hardly seems a fair democratic vote if none of Blair's ministers can vote against war for fear of losing their jobs?
Howard Wren, Australia / UK I was pleased that so many Labour MPs voted for the amendment, but horrified that they did not vote against the motion. They could not have listened to their constituents. As one of the million plus peace marchers I can only repeat NOT IN MY NAME!
RB, UK Saddam is a military dictator who likes war. We detest him for developing weapon programmes instead of modernising his country. If we attack him with bombs, we prove him right. If we go to war, the West will prove that all our power, all our riches, all our wisdom has failed and is useless: Saddam was right; only arms gives effective power.
Olivier Stockman, UK I think that the three B:s (Blair, Berlusconi and Bush) are working together very well in their support of a neo liberal policy and for a political line which may lead to a third world war.
Göran Drougge, Sweden | The vote expresses what we require from our Parliament |
The vote by our MPs, giving nearly a 70% majority to our Prime Minister's main policy, is excellent and expresses what we the British require from our Parliament.
Tony, UK Considering the fact that UK is a democracy, I still don't understand why politicians refuse to listen to the people who put them in the office in the first place!!
Seth, Denmark Parliament has shown itself again to be unconcerned with the feelings of the people it is meant to represent.
Melvin, U.K Is George Bush president of the UK? The Prime Minister is defying the will and reason of the British people. Should UK servicemen die for such an unjust cause?
Sebastian, United Kingdom The politicians who voted all had their own political agendas. Ask why the opposition parties supported the government. Were they afraid of toppling Blair and bringing in a new labour government with an even bigger majority?
J Lewis, UK Why is everyone so hung up on going to war? Tony Blair still says he wants a peaceful resolution, he's only preparing for war. I put my seatbelt on everyday in 'preparation' for a possible crash, it doesn't mean I'm going to crash!
Duke Gledhill, UK Everyone has to ask themselves "what has Iraq done to us?", if you can't answer this question without giving ifs and buts then you shouldn't support war. I'm glad I didn't vote Labour or Tory at the last elections.
Andy, U.K How reassuring to know that the commons is doing its job properly. Weighing up the evidence and making the appropriate decision. Now will people finally let them get on with their jobs?!
Craig, England Greatly encouraged by the numbers whom voted for Chris Smith's amendment but appalled by the continued support for Mr Bush coming from our government. The case for war is still not proven. There is still time for a peaceful resolution.
Dr W Arthur Chapman, Scotland A strong majority backed the Government line, and I hope that my local MP voted for the military action, which will surely give us a more stable world in the long run. If you don't like the way your local MP voted, whichever way, you all get a vote at the next General Election, so use it.
Steve, UK This is a campaign that should never have been started. Thousands have seen their savings and pensions ruined. Now that we are in this foolish position we cannot go back without Iraq looking to have been vindicated and the UN, the UK and the USA looking weak and ineffective. We have been forced into war- what a disaster.
K Budden, England Some people live in a fantasy world. Iraq is no threat to us. The cowards who think it is are a disgrace to our country's reputation.
Graham Day, Scotland I believe MPs should be properly informed about history at the very least. These people seem to be voting emotionally rather than with any intelligence.
Alison R Noyes, England | This wasn't a rebellion, it was a comfortable majority |
This wasn't a rebellion, it was a comfortable majority. From today, we can see that our MPs understand Blair's position, not Galoway's.
Sebastian, England I am confident that my MP - Paul Flynn, Labour, voted against the government. For those who claim that this issue could cost the government the next election - take a look at the Conservatives - they are even more Hawkish than Blair !
Simon Watkins, Wales My MP is Diane Abbott. I am proud she has the strength of conviction and integrity to oppose this unseemly rush to war.
Alika Drove, Currently working in Canada As a life-long Conservative voter I have to say I am immensely impressed by Tam Dalyell's stance. The Father of the House has shown true statesmanship and principle in his speeches on this issue.
Ken Hal, UK I want Robert Key to vote against this motion, which is clearly intended to legitimise a war opposed by the majority of British people. Iraq poses no threat to this country or its allies.
Jonathan Edwards, UK Unfortunately, I don't think my MP will vote to support a war in Iraq. After speaking with my MP, it is clear that he is representing his personal views and not neccesarily those of the constituents he represents. Maybe it is time to organize a pro-war protest - to show the prime minister and our brave troops overseas our solidarity and support in them sacrificing their lives to ensure that British citizens continue to live freely.
Shauna, UK | His job is to represent his constituents |
I hope very much that my York MP, Hugh Bayley, votes for the anti-war amendments and against Tony Blair. He must realise that backing Blair's pro-US stance will only make him popular with one man - Blair. His job is to represent his constituents, and they will not forget at the next election if he goes against the clear wishes of the majority of the public.
Richard Newns, UK Menzies Campbell - Lib Dem, North East Fife - vote to take out this monster who has done nothing but terrorise his own people and his neighbours.
John, UK My MP is Phyllis Starkey and I would like her to vote with Tony Blair. As a Buddhist I should be against war but for me this is about compassion and responsibility.
Jeanette, UK I would like my MP, David Willets MP - Havant, to support the Prime Minister on this issue
Ben, UK My MP is Phyllis Starkey of Milton Keynes SW. She should vote with Tony Blair. Saddam must be stopped, as we should have stopped Hitler but who was encouraged by appeasement later. We must take firm action, sooner rather than later.
Donald Hoyle, England | I hope he votes in support of Tony Blair on this issue |
My MP is Michael Jack. I hope he votes in support of Tony Blair on this issue. The question I would ask the million or so "Peace Marchers" is, Are they willing to accept the blame for the deaths of Iraqis and others that Saddam will undoubtedly murder if he is not removed?
Kevin Nicklin, England Unlike her colleague in the North of Milton Keynes, my MP Dr Phyllis Starkey has tried to sit on the fence on this issue. It is time she listened to public opinion and opposed this hypocritical rush to war against Iraq.
Dr S. Bleher, UK My MP is Sir Teddy Taylor. Saddam is a ruthless dictator and for the sake of the long suffering Iraqi people, he should be taken out of the equation.
I P Willis, England I'd like my MP, Clive Soley, to vote against this monstrous attack on Iraq. However, I have little doubt that he will, as usual, support the Tony Blair line. I'm sure his constituents when they voted for him expected an independent voice of courage and integrity. Unfortunately, like most other so-called politicians, he is more interested in the Party "faithful" than he is in the wishes of his constituents.
Dermot Moynihan, UK I hope that my MP Beverley Hughes backs Tony Blair 100%. If a dictator like Saddam can cause such divisive havoc in the UN as well as worldwide as he is doing now and has done before means he is pretty clever.
Larraine Sumner, UK My MP is Tony Blair. He has my full support in arguing the case for military action. Nobody in early September 2001 would have wanted to battle a terrorist group and Taleban regime in Afghanistan. Post-9/11 there were no doubters. Do we seriously need a September 2003 attack on London to justify war? Catch those arms while you can and before many British innocent citizens are killed.
Michael Fulton, Hurworth, County Durham I'm proud to say my MP, Diane Abbott will vote against this war. Shame on those who won't, I hope they face deselection.
Gerard Killoran, UK All responsible MPs ought to support the government and by so doing ensure that the UN continues to have meaningful purpose. The statement to the House of Commons yesterday by the Prime Minister was comprehensive, lucid, cogent and undeniably the truth.
Trevor Turner, UK A peaceful solution must be found over Iraq. I want my MP Keith Vaz to be campaigning for peace and more time for the inspectors. He should say no to Blair's motion.
Shirina Ibrahim, from Leicester but working in Cairo | The opposition to war seems to centre around prolonged weapons inspections |
My MP is Phyllis Starkey and I want her to vote with Tony Blair. The opposition to war seems to centre around prolonged weapons inspections but the Iraqi regime could create a chemical weapon 6 feet away from an inspector with a wall between and without the cooperation of the Iraqis how would he or she know? All of this 'give the responsibility to the inspectors' stuff is disingenuous.
Clive, UK I am pleased to say my MP (Paul Daisley, Brent North)is not brown nosing his way to a cabinet position. Despite his own serious illness, he has supported diplomatic moves to find an Iraqi solution and has been challenging Blair on his bellicose stance for some months.
Colin McGeachie, UK My wife and I drove 250 miles from Blair's Sedgefield constituency to take part in the peace march in London two weeks ago. Our very first demo aged mid 50's. The cross section of people attending was remarkable. All political persuasions, all religious groups and very many "other" non political or non religious groups. Blair is now paying for surrounding himself with "spin" as no-one seems to believe him. He has no mandate from the British people to take us into a war which only affects us indirectly. He has, by his actions in aligning himself with Bush, put the UK into the front line when the problem should be dealt with on a regional basis involving the UK only through any UN initiative. All MPs must reflect the wishes of the public and vote NO.
Tony Haworth, UK I'd like to think that my MP, Hugo Swire, would vote against military action. He is an ex-serviceman and a graduate of Sandhurst, although I think he will probably tow the Tory line. The next issue is when does someone raise the question of a no confidence vote in Tony Blair?
Ian Simmins, Scotland I hope my MP, Derek Wyatt, votes against taking military action unless sanctioned by the UN. We are being dragged into this by Tony Blair, just to please the Americans. If the UN back action then I think we should go in, along with all the other UN member countries.
Jeff Wilson, UK I want my MP, Barbara Roche, to vote against military action and have written to her to this effect. I saw in a newspaper interview with her that her surgeries have been inundated with people who feel the same way but because she is pro-war that is how she will vote. I am disgusted by this attitude and feel very let down by the democratic process.
Kate, UK Derek Conway, Old Bexley and Sidcup - vote against, please.
Barry, England My MP is Michael Trend (Con), so I anticipate that he will support the government's motion. Personally I would back the Labour amendment, but I expect my MP to make his own decision. On issues of peace/war and other ethical matters, MPs should exercise their own judgements and vote according to their consciences.
Roy Pinney, England | There is only one authority on whether Iraq is abiding by the terms of the Resolution 1441 |
There is only one body that has the authority to permit the use of force other than in self-defence, and that is the UN Security Council. There is only one authority on whether Iraq is abiding by the terms of the Resolution 1441, and that is Hans Blix, the man appointed by the Security Council to do just that. I sincerely hope that my M, Hugh Bayley, votes for any amendments that state that we should not enter a war that would fatally undermine the UN Charter and make the world a much more volatile and dangerous place.
Alan Bates, UK I am going to say my MP should vote for action against Iraq, so that he votes against it. Peter Duncan has done little or nothing for the real people's issues in the South of Scotland.
PJ Armstrong, Scotland I can't believe for one minute that Ian Gibson, my MP, would vote for this US oil war.
Phil Wade, Norwich North, UK I would like my MP Andrew McKay to vote against the government
Joy Scovell, Berkshire, UK | I'm afraid I can't trust the government's reasons for war |
My MP is Jack Straw so I'm afraid that I can't count on him to actually represent his constituents. I'm afraid I can't trust the government's reasons for war, they change every couple of weeks.
Darren Tarbard, UK I'd like my MP Glenda Jackson to vote against. I don't think politically or economically we're in any position to pursue war or aggression.
Bil, London Near my home on the Clyde is one of the greatest concentrations of weapons on mass destruction on earth - the Trident submarines and their nuclear warhead stores in Glen Douglas. To wage war on another country not for having such weapons but because - trust us, okay? - they might is extraordinary hypocrisy. When Bush says that any Iraqis causing the deaths of innocents or the destruction of infrastructure will be war criminals, but not him, of course, the hypocrisy becomes surreal. My MP, John McFall, must vote against. How else could a sane person vote?
John McNeil, Scotland It is disturbing to think some British politicians have become so career minded that in a vote which involves deep moral issues, such as the right to life for Iraqis and the reincarnation of British and US imperial ambitions, they would be willing to subjugate their conscience to the dictates of party politics.
M Hassan, UK Saddam is no doubt an evil dictator, who has directly affected the lives of millions including my own. I experienced life at the end of the Iraqi war machine, when I lived in Iran as a child. (Thanks to the West's backing he was very powerful) Anyhow, today as a British citizen, though a pacifist, I think they may as well get this Iraq situation over and done with, despite all of my doubts. Perhaps we should let Tony Blair do the job the UK population elected him to do as PM.
Maryam, UK | My MP should not vote in any way that can be interpreted as supporting the US determination to attack |
Until positive evidence is produced that Iraq represents a current threat to the UK, no cooperation should be actioned in any attack on the Iraqi people. In the present circumstances, my MP (Jimmy Hood) should not vote in any way that can be interpreted as supporting the US determination to attack.
Laurie Thompson, UK I expect most MPs will cave in and reject the motion as they don't want to upset the vocal anti-war crowd and then be pilloried by the media. Some will say this is democracy but I would prefer it they had the guts to stand and say what they genuinely feel - either way.
JP, UK I'd like my MP to vote against military action.
Gordon Mackey, Northern Ireland It is to be hoped that a substantial majority will vote for the amendment. Far from weakening Tony Blair, though it will be a personal blow, it may well strengthen his hand in restraining Bush from prosecuting a war on a leap of faith regardless of consequences.
Barry B, UK
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