Straw and Ivanov stressed warm relations despite Iraq differences

Mr Straw later met his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, and said the differences between the two countries over Iraq policy could be resolved by negotiation.

That optimistic note came despite Mr Ivanov telling the BBC that Russia would veto a second UN resolution if necessary - although the two ministers said they did not discuss that vote.

Chancellor Gordon Brown has also said on Tuesday that the UK "will spend what it takes" to tackle Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

THE COST OF WAR Gordon Brown thinks the UK can afford a new Gulf War. Is he right? Click here for more

It comes as the Stop the War coalition unveiled plans for an anti-war rival to the House of Commons - a People's Assembly for Peace - to meet for a first time on 12 March in Westminster.

Organisers say it will give a voice to "the majority of people" across the country opposed to military action against Iraq.

Signals warning

Ahead of meeting Mr Ivanov, Mr Straw told the Commons foreign affairs select committee Iraq's breaches of UN resolutions would already be enough to justify military action.

But the UK wanted a second resolution because "politically it was a better way to bind in the international community".

The assembly will be much more an alternative voice of the country Lindsay Jerman Stop the War coalition Read about the People's Assembly for Peace

He argued that America was the only superpower and the world had to decide whether to force it to act unilaterally or through international institutions.

"What I say to France and Germany - and all my other European Union colleagues - is take care," said Mr Straw.

"Because just as America helps to define and influence our politics, so what we do in Europe helps to define and influence American politics.

"We will reap a whirlwind if we push the US into a unilateralist position."

Mr Straw said the "latest intelligence" also suggested Iraq was able to produce a host of chemical and biological agents, and items were being hidden from weapons inspectors.

He went on: "Saddam Hussein believes that he can once again divide and outwit the international community through a pretence of cooperation.

"We cannot afford to send him any signal that he's close to success."

HAVE YOUR SAY The money can be found for war but not for hospitals, transport and schools Gee Taylor, UK Click here to read more of your comments

Earlier, Mr Brown told a meeting of business people in London he made no apology for spending what was necessary to prevent weapons proliferation.

"Our armed forces do an outstanding job for Britain and today I make clear our gratitude... and my resolve to ensure our armed forces are properly equipped for whatever lies ahead," he said.

Russia

Mr Brown has already announced he is setting aside an extra �1.75bn to meet the costs of a new Gulf war.

Speculation continues that the crisis could mean he postpones his Budget until next month.

MILITARY BUILD-UP 200,000 US troops in region 106,000 more are en route or on alert 30,000 UK troops in position UK Tornado and Harrier aircraft deployed Sixth US aircraft carrier group heading to Gulf Clickable deployment map

Mr Blair, currently in talks in Northern Ireland, had hoped to join Mr Straw for the meeting with the Russian minister but will now meet him on Wednesday morning.

A Russian abstention in the vote on the US/UK second resolution would increase pressure on France as it decided whether to be the only permanent security council member to veto the resolution.

Mr Ivanov told the BBC's Talking Point: "Abstaining is not a position Russia can take, we have to take a clear position and we are for a political solution."

Russia would use its veto if necessary, he argued.

He also disputed the UK view that the current UN resolution authorised military action without further reference to the security council.

Downing Street has disputed Iraqi claims of civilian casualties as a result of the Allied strikes in Iraq's no-fly zones.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has also denied war has begun "by escalation" through new air strikes in the no-fly zones over Iraq.