Britain and the US were last night poised for a final showdown at the United Nations after the UK tabled a new resolution to the security council stating that Saddam Hussein has failed to comply with weapons inspectors.

"Iraq has failed to take the final opportunity afforded to it in Resolution 1441," it stated.

Seeking UN cover for military action along with Spain, the allies will face opposition led by France, Russia and Germany who will offer an alternative plan giving Saddam more time to disarm.

The security council will meet again on Thursday to discuss the proposals.

Presenting the resolution, UK ambassador to the UN, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, insisted Iraq still had time "to make the right choice".

Tony Blair will today seek to win support for his plans when he makes a Commons statement on Iraq.