ROBIN COOK, Leader of the House of Commons, this afternoon became the first Cabinet casualty of the planned war on Iraq.The former Foreign Secretary quit his post minutes before an emergency meeting of ministers had gathered at 4pm.

By Graham Dines

ROBIN COOK, Leader of the House of Commons, this afternoon became the first Cabinet casualty of the planned war on Iraq.

The former Foreign Secretary quit his post minutes before an emergency meeting of ministers had gathered at 4pm.

A spokeswoman for No 10 said: "Robin Cook met the Prime Minister before Cabinet and has resigned from the Government."

Mr Cook is one of the most influential members of the Government and his decision to resign will be a major blow for the Prime Minister as he prepares the nation for war.