Build-up . . . Brits L/Cpl Michael Bousfield, left, and Pte Dave Frodsham ferry supplies ashore in Kuwait
Posted on 03/04/2003 6:25:42 PM PST by MadIvan
BRITISH public opinion last night swung dramatically behind American and UK military action to disarm Iraq.
In a major victory for Tony Blair, 75 per cent of voters said they back a war if the UN gives the all-clear.
A poll by Mori shows a significant ten per cent swing behind Mr Blair since he launched his campaign for public hearts and minds last month.
The change of mood emerged as the PM prepared to summon Parliament for an emergency debate on Saturday next week.
That would almost certainly follow a decision to join America in the first air strikes against Saddam on Thursday or Friday, as revealed by The Sun.
The poll shows support for war depends on evidence that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction.
Mori chief Bob Worcester said: “This latest research shows Blair has turned a corner. There has also been a fall in the number of people who would oppose military action without UN backing.
“Opposition falls to two in five if the inspectors do find evidence that Iraq is hiding weapons of mass destruction — even if the UN still does not vote in favour of action.
“If the inspectors report a smoking gun in Saddam’s hand and the UN second vote is passed the British, by three to one, think troops should be used alongside Americans.”
The increasing tempo towards war was accompanied by a continuing build-up of military activity in the Gulf, despite Turkey’s reluctance to let American troops use its bases.
And US President George Bush insisted it was America’s duty to help the UN protect the world from terror.
He said in Washington: “The first law of the 21st century requires the United States to work with international bodies to deal with these threats and we will continue to do so.”
But Mr Bush insisted the UN must support its own ultimatum ordering Saddam to scrap weapons of mass slaughter.
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Build-up . . . Brits L/Cpl Michael Bousfield, left, and Pte Dave Frodsham ferry supplies ashore in Kuwait |
He said: “I went to the United Nations to remind them that for 12 long years they said Saddam Hussein had to disarm because he was dangerous.
“The choice is for Saddam to make. It is his choice whether there is war or peace.”
Last night Foreign Secretary Jack Straw signalled America — and Britain — will go to war alone if the UN caves in.
He warned war wobblers not to put the US in a position where it felt isolated.
Mr Straw told MPs: “We will reap a whirlwind if we push the Americans into a unilateral position in which they are the centre of a unipolar world.”
America’s stance and the growing pro-war mood piled pressure on French President Jacques “The Worm” Chirac and his threat to use the veto.
A weekly paper in Paris said Chirac has virtually already ruled out using the device.
Le Canard enchaine quoted him as telling a private gathering the move would be pointless because it would not stop military action. The news came as Ex-PM Alain Juppe, leader of Chirac’s UMP party, warned him not to torpedo the UN.
Russia’s stance remained obscured despite the visit to Britain yesterday by foreign minister Igor Ivanov.
But hopes were rising that China would not block a new UN resolution next week.
In a bizarre twist Saddam blasted President Bush as the “despot of the century” — a label usually reserved for the Iraqi dictator himself.
In London, Chancellor Gordon Brown said he will dig even deeper into the Treasury for any war effort. He has already earmarked £1.75billion to meet the costs of any new Gulf war.
He said: “I make clear my resolve to ensure our Armed Forces are properly equipped for whatever lies ahead.”
Regards, Ivan
Why? Why now? I don't get it.
Regards, Ivan
Helen Thomas: Seahag ...
bump !
I am constantly amazed and bewildered that people are willing to proxy their security, autonomy and future to a collectivist, corrupt and incompetent organization like the UN. An organization which answers to no one. Why do they put more faith in the UN than in their own freely elected governments? It's maddening.
Now if those UN tossers can get a clue(doubt it)......
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