London: As preparations for an attack on Iraq goes on, British Prime Minister Tony Blair expects both Cabinet Minister Clare Short and Leader of Commons Robin Cook to quit on March 17 to spearhead a massive House of Commons rebellion "designed to destroy his Premiership", media reported on March 14.

"The pair are likely to both make personal resignation statements to a packed House of Commons in a devastating curtain-raiser to a debate and vote on whether to back a war," 'Daily Express' claimed.

"That will maximise the prospects of a clutch of junior ministers following suit and create a 'febrile atmosphere' that is expected to lead to around 170 Labour MPs voting against their leader's policy," the report said.

The Prime Minister will be left relying on the votes of Tory MPs to carry a motion authorising war to disarm Saddam Hussein in the light of the failure of diplomacy.

However, Blair has told friends he is determined to face down the revolt and "do the right thing" for the country.

According to the report a Cabinet meeting to endorse military action has been pencilled in for Monday (March 17) morning and that is the moment Cook and International Development Secretary Short are most likely to walk out.

The tabloid said the Commons Leader failed to give full support to the Prime Minister during a Cabinet meeting on March 13.

The report also stated that Attorney General Lord Goldsmith might also quit over worries about the legality of a war not backed with a new resolution.

PTI