Blair and Straw at odds over US action in Iran

independent: Jack Straw has warned Cabinet colleagues that it would be illegal for Britain to support the United States in military action against Iran. But Tony Blair has backed President George Bush by warning that ruling out military action would send out a "message of weakness" to Iran.

Differences opened up yesterday between Mr Blair and the Foreign Secretary over growing alarm in the US at the refusal of Mr Bush to rule out military action. Mr Straw said on BBC Radio 4 that it was "inconceivable" that Britain would support a military strike against Tehran. Four hours later, Mr Blair refused to go that far when challenged to do so at Prime Minister's questions by the former minister, Michael Meacher.

Mr Blair accused Iran of fostering international terrorism, and said young people were signing up to be suicide bombers directed at US and UK targets. " I do not think this is the time to send a message of weakness," he said. Read more

Can you say 'Blair should be shot' without breaching UK law?

db: Power is not strength. Threatening the people of Iran with a deadly nuclear strike is not strength. Blair's subservience to Bush is not strength. My old 'friend' [79 years old] says Blair should be shot. [We couldn't possibly agree because that would breach UK law no doubt]