Susan Deacon wants "honest views"

Scotland's former health minister has broken from Labour ranks and warned against a pre-emptive strike on Iraq.

Susan Deacon said an attack would break international law and has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament against such a move.

The Scottish National Party said Ms Deacon's motion was a sign of Labour "disarray" on the issue.

First Minister Jack McConnell has backed Tony Blair's stance over Saddam Hussein's need to disarm.

'Sensitive issue'

The former health minister's motion has the support of fellow Labour members Bill Butler, Scott Barrie and Pauline McNeill, who insisted an attack would be "neither necessary nor justified".

Ms Deacon, the member for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said it was "a complex and sensitive issue".

There were passionately held opinions throughout the country and across the political spectrum, she added.

"All that any of us can do is to be honest and open about our views on this issue."

Jack McConnell backed the prime minister over Iraq

Labour MSPs were allegedly briefed by Mr McConnell on the issue during the party's weekly meeting in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

A party spokeswoman said there had been no "disquiet" from MSPs during the meeting about the stance taken by Mr Blair or Mr McConnell on Iraq.

The motion urges parliament to recognise "the strength of public opposition to any support for unilateral US military action against Iraq".

It cited as evidence the mass protests that took place in Glasgow, London and worldwide last Saturday, involving millions of people.

'Final straw'

SNP leader John Swinney said the move demonstrated Labour disunity over Iraq.

He said: "Their own MSPs know that their position is untenable and Jack McConnell's decision to cheerlead for a war over the last few days has obviously proven to be the final straw."

Mr Swinney said nine out of 10 people opposed military action without a new and specific UN mandate.