Around 2,000 military personnel from Wales are in the Gulf

On Tuesday night, 16 of the 34 Welsh Labour MPs signalled opposition by backing an anti-war amendment in the Commons - among 139 Labour MPs to vote against Tony Blair.

It means almost two-thirds of the 25 Labour back benchers in Wales - and 22 of the 40 MPs of all parties - oppose the government's plans.

Despite backing the prime minister in the run up to the vote, Mr Hain said: "I think the prime minister will need to reflect in depth on the opposition of backbenchers and in making sure that the party's listened to more carefully..."

Within hours of them casting their votes, the Welsh Assembly began an emergency debate in Cardiff with a statement from First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

He said hospitals in Wales were included in contingency plans for treating casualities and he urged effort to maintain bridges between ethnic groups in Wales.

Blair wins backing for war Did your MP support the rebels?

Parliament's support for a conflict has been welcomed by human rights campaigner and Cynon Valley MP Ann Clwyd, who said that people had confidence in the judgement of the prime minister.

After considering his position, Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane - parliamentary private secretary to Welsh Secretary Peter Hain - eventually sided with the prime minister.

Mr Ruane was considered the most likely Welsh member of the government to quit following the resignations of cabinet minister Robin Cook, Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and Home Office Minister John Denham.

But four MPs who voted for the government two weeks ago switched sides to oppose their party's leadership following the nine-hour debate.

They were Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West), Ian Lucas (Wrexham), Win Griffiths (Bridgend) and Dai Havard (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney).

The four Plaid Cymru MPs and two Welsh Liberal Democrat also voted against sending British troops into battle.

Around 2,000 military personnel from Wales are in the Gulf preparing for a conflict.

Meanwhile, at home, numerous protests are due to get under way across Wales - Cardiff, Hay-on-Wye, Swansea, Brecon, Rhyl and Clwyd.

And as war gets closer it has also emerged that hospitals here could be called upon to help treat the war wounded.

The Department of Health and Ministry of Defence have drawn up what are being called detailed plans should there be the need to treat high numbers of casualties.

Hospitals are being warned of a possible influx of wounded, but it is understood wards and beds are not being set aside.