SHORT RESIGNATION SHOWS NO CABINET SECRET EVIDENCE-TONGE

12.43.00pm GMT Mon 10th Mar 2003

Jenny Tonge MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, commenting on Clare Short's threat to resign from the Cabinet if Britain goes to war without a second resolution, said:

"Claire Short's action indicates that there is no "secret evidence" known only to the Cabinet."

"Her remarks about Tony Blair's recklessness mirror the Liberal Democrat view that the inspectors must be given time to do their jobs properly.

"With the huge build-up of US and UK troops in Iraq war now looks inevitable, with or without a resolution."