BOLTON MP Brian Iddon was set to join a major backbench rebellion today against Prime Minister Tony Blair over his hardline stance on Iraq.

The Government has imposed a three-line whip for a Commons debate on its policy towards Iraq, insisting that Labour MPs back its motion calling on Saddam Hussein to recognise that he has a "final opportunity" to comply with his disarmament obligations.

But as of last night some 115 MPs -- including around 80 Labour backbenchers -- had put their names to an anti-war amendment which, they hope, Speaker Michael Martin will select for discussion.

The cross-party amendment argues that "the case for military action against Iraq (is) as yet unproven."

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon said: ""I just think the government has messed it up so I shall be supporting the Chris Smith motion today. I supported Mr Blair on the war in Afghanistan but I will not support this without a second motion from the U.N."

The scale of opposition by Labour rebels is likely to translate into one of the biggest rebellions Mr Blair has suffered since he came to power in May 1997.

About 50 Liberal Democrats have signed an alternative amendment which argues that diplomatic channels have not been exhausted yet, and that any military action must be sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council and by the House of Commons.