Labour MPs threaten to demand Iraq probe probe inquiry vote

REBEL Labour MPs are threatening to back a Tory move tomorrow demanding an inquiry into the Iraq war.

Several Labour backbenchers, who previously refused to join Opposition parties in calling for an immediate investigation into the conflict, are now set to do so.

One said: "I did not vote for it last time but I will this time."

The scale of the revolt was not clear this morning. However, a number of backbenchers are in a rebellious mood as they are unhappy about the Government's handling of the recession and the new sleaze allegations against ministers.

The Government survived an attempt by David Cameron last spring to force an immediate independent inquiry into the decision to go to war in Iraq.

Twelve Labour rebels voted with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats but the Government defeated the move by 299 to 271.

A government amendment, accepting an inquiry would be "appropriate" after "important" operations in Iraq were completed, was passed by 299 to 259.

A vote tomorrow is expected to be closer as large-scale withdrawal of British troops is due to start shortly. Ministers have signalled that most of the 4,100 British troops in Iraq will leave the country by the summer.

The Conservatives stressed that there is now no "reasonable impediment" to Gordon Brown announcing an inquiry.

The motion to be debated tomorrow states that "there remains no reasonable impediment to announcing an Iraq Inquiry" following the Prime Minister's announcement at the end of last year that a rapid withdrawal of troops would take place from 31May.