WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has resigned from his Government post in protest at the Prime Minister's decision to go to war with Iraq without a second UN resolution.

By David Lennard

WAVENEY MP Bob Blizzard has resigned from his Government post in protest at the Prime Minister's decision to go to war with Iraq without a second UN resolution.

The Labour MP in north Suffolk had been Parliamentary Private Secretary to Nick Brown, Minister for Work.

After announcing he would vote against the Government motion on Iraq last night , Mr Blizzard explained why he was taking the action.

"War should only be a last resort. We need not be at that point," he said.

"Progress was being made with the weapons inspection process, backed by the credible threat of military force," said Mr Blizzard.

The former leader of Waveney District Council felt that the United Kingdom was being too hasty in following the lead of the United States.

"We should persist with this for longer, but we are being pushed into battle by George W Bush who seems determined to go to war.

"We need to be sure that alternatives have been exhausted before committing our troops to the dangers of armed conflict and killing ordinary Iraqi people," said Mr Blizzard.

The MP said he considered the views of his constituents in north Suffolk before coming to his decision to resign.

"In trying to represent the views of my constituents I found that most people supported the UN route.

"I do not feel there is domestic support for war at this time that is not legitimised by the UN," said Mr Blizzard.