Cook resigns in protest

The Commons Leader Robin Cook today became the first Cabinet casualty of the planned war on Iraq – quitting his post minutes before an emergency meeting of ministers.

Downing Street announced his resignation shortly after an emergency Cabinet had gathered at 4pm.

A spokeswoman for No 10 said: "Robin Cook met the Prime Minister before Cabinet and has resigned from the Government."

The International Development Secretary Clare Short is "reflecting overnight" on her position, a spokeswoman from her department said. She threatened to resign last week unless there were a second UN resolution.