Chris Smith: signed motion

The government has come under mounting pressure to give MPs a vote on military action in the Gulf before any action commences.

A string of senior Labour MPs have signed the early day motion which demands that war "should not rely on prerogative power alone".

They include Tony Wright, the chairman of the public administration committee, and former ministers Chris Smith, Kate Hoey, Peter Kilfoyle and Glenda Jackson.

The motion, already signed by 70 MPs, dismisses suggestions that a vote would "in any way compromise our armed forces".

Wright said it was vital that parliament had its say before British troops were committed to an operation in the Gulf.

"We believe parliament should vote on any military action against Iraq before any such action is embarked upon. Whether such action is supported or opposed, parliament must have its say," he said.

"As Winston Churchill pointed out at the time of the Korean War in 1950, it is only a parliamentary vote - not merely a debate - that provides the necessary authority for military action.

"It is no longer acceptable for prerogative power to be the sole basis of military action.

"President Bush has to get Congressional approval under the War Powers Act. Other countries have similar provisions. It is time for parliament to assert its own rights in this matter."

The government will give MPs an opportunity to vote on a conflict - but will not yield to demands for this to take place before war begins.

Speaking last week defence secretary, Geoff Hoon, said: "It would simply not be sensible to signal in advance our intentions to an enemy."

MPs are also urging ministers to recall parliament during next week's recess in the event of any major development.

Former cabinet minister John Redwood told ePolitix.com: "Parliament should be recalled if there are important developments over Iraq. It is most important that parliament meets and debates any evidence about the state of play in Iraq or any decision about what to do next."

Labour's Paul Flynn said: "There is nothing more important than sending troops to kill and be killed.

"We are one of the free parliaments of the world in that we could vote and take decisions on such a breathtaking issue. We vote on the most trivial of things.

"This issue would be taken by the prime minister and the Queen. That is not a democracy. We should be called on a Sunday if necessary."

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Holmes said "parliament should immediately be recalled" in the event of any significant change.

"It is outrageous that we will probably be at war before parliament gets the chance to debate and vote on military action," he added.

Quizzed on the issue at business questions, Commons leader Robin Cook said he doubted that a recall would be necessary.

"It is our intention to have a substantive vote, should the need arise," said Cook.

Liberal Democrat Paul Tyler demanded a "cast iron guarantee" that MPs would brought back ahead of a decision to commit troops to military action.

"It is not just a matter of keeping the House informed, it's a chance to express a view," he said.

Labour backbencher Gordon Prentice predicted serious consequences if the government entered into a war without Commons support.

"The betrayal would split the Labour Party and this Labour government if we went to war using prerogative powers without a vote," he said.

A second Commons motion tabled by Douglas Hogg which calls for a second UN resolution before military action has won the support of nearly 90 MPs.