Government block 'No war without approval' Bill

4.00.00pm GMT Fri 21st Oct 2005

Liberal Democrats at the London rally against war in Iraq

The Government has blocked Clare Short's Private Members Bill aimed at trying to limit the government's power to send British troops to war without parliamentary approval. Sir Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, said "Parliament missed a rare opportunity to assert its authority over the executive. To send British troops into battle is the ultimate responsibility and it should be one for Members of Parliament"