Basildon's Labour junior Northern Ireland Minister Angela Smith - after "weeks of agonising" - decided not to quit and voted with the party line to push on with the war with Iraq.

There were rumours last week that the Basildon and East Thurrock MP would be among those resigning, but she has decided to stay in her post and support her party.

She said: "It has been a very difficult decision. It is a decision that needs to be taken on balance - there are arguments on both sides.

"We have to make difficult decisions, but you have to hope you have got it right.

"Every instinct I have is anti-war, but I think we have reached a point of no return. War should always be seen as the defeat of diplomacy and that is very sad."

She added: "This responsibility weighs heavily on MPs. I have been thinking about this all weekend and I am not critical of anyone who is leaving the Government or who takes an opposing view. We have to remember that Saddam is a dangerous person. War is always horrific, but sometimes it is necessary."

Published Wednesday, March 19, 2003

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