Short’s position made ‘impossible’ by ‘secret UN negotiations’
The outspoken International Development Secretary, Clare Short has resigned.
Speculation about Ms Short’s future has been growing after she missed the high publicity Parliamentary vote on Foundation Hospitals last week.
Ms Short had been highly critical of the Government’s decision to go to war in Iraq without a second UN resolution. She had threatened to quit and called the Prime Minister ‘reckless’ in his actions.
Ms Short was persuaded to stay on by the Prime Minister who argued that her role in the development of Iraq would be her most important job yet.
A spokesperson from Downing Street confirmed that Ms Short had phoned Tony Blair this morning saying that she could no longer continue in the Government.
In her resignation letter, the International Development Secretary accused Mr Blair and the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw of breaking assurances that were given to her that the UN would have a large role to play in the reconstruction of Iraq.
Ms Short wrote, “As you know, I thought the run-up to the conflict in Iraq was mishandled, but I agreed to stay in the government to help support the reconstruction effort for the people of Iraq.
“I am afraid that the assurances you gave me about the need for a UN mandate to establish a legitimate Iraqi government have been breached.”
Ms Short accused Mr Blair and Mr Straw of negotiating a UN resolution which contradicted what she had told Parliament and made her position ‘impossible’.
The Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Jenny Tonge stated that Ms Short’s resignation would be sad news for the developing world as Ms Short is seen as one of the world’s biggest champions of the agenda.
Dr Tonge stated, “Clare Short has been an extremely good International Development Secretary and has been brave enough to challenge her own party on a number of issues, including Iraq. Whoever replaces her will have a tough act to follow.”
The Government has appointed Baroness Amos as International Development Secretary as a replacement to Ms Short. However, this appointment is likely to cause some controversy as Baroness Amos is a member of the House of Lords and is not elected.
