The government is engaged in a last-ditch bid to secure a United Nations resolution backing force against Iraq.

As speculation of war reaches fever pitch, the prime minister has called in Iain Duncan Smith for an "emergency meeting" in Downing Street.

Many expect the next 24-hours to be a make or break time for the UN security council.

Revealing his "six tests" of Iraqi compliance, Tony Blair yesterday rejected suggestions that Britain would back out of a US-led conflict.

Many saw his comments as a call to arms for an imminent war without UN backing.

Jack Straw last night suggested that the UN would vote on a second resolution before the weekend - with the French veto still fuelling growing gloom amongst UK diplomats.

Other security council members have a given luke warm response to the UK's latest initiative. The UN reconvenes later today - with a final decision expected soon.

The prime minister is continuing his gruelling schedule today - with the first Cabinet session since Clare Short's rebellion.

Writing in the FT, James Blitz suggests "the moment of truth has finally arrived for Tony Blair".

As Blair takes Britain to war, George Jones in the Telegraph reminds the prime minister to "watch his back".

Following the diplomatic furore that occurred after Donald Rumsfeld's comments earlier this week, the White House went out of its way to praise the prime minister.

Ari Fleischer, the president's spokesman, told reporters: "The president values the counsel of prime minister Blair, and this remains a diplomatic issue that the president is discussing with the United Kingdom as well as other nations."