The looming war against Iraq claimed its second victim in Britain on Tuesday when junior Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath announced his resignation from Tony Blair's cabinet.

Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook had resigned on Monday registering his opposition to Blair's decision to go to war with Saddam Hussein.
 
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Hunt said he had agonised over this issue for many weeks. "But I have decided today to resign from the government because I don't support the pre-emptive action [against Iraq], which is going to be taken without broad international support or indeed the clear support of the British people," he said.
 
Lord Hunt said Cook's example had reinforced his own determination to go.
 
"I have found it very difficult to support this action but there is no doubt that he [Mr Cook] made a very persuasive speech last night. It was a very moving occasion," he said.