WORCESTERSHIRE MPs today urged the country to rally behind Britain's brave troops after Tony Blair fought off his biggest-ever revolt over war with Iraq.

Amid dramatic scenes at Westminster, MPs voted with a "heavy heart" to support a Government motion sanctioning a military campaign against Saddam Hussein.

A total of 217 MPs - 139 of them Labour MPs - backed a rebel amendment opposing the government's stance on Iraq.

But an emotional speech by the Prime Minister, along with arm-twisting by Government whips, secured a 179 majority for Mr Blair.

A Government motion sanctioning war was passed by 412 votes to 149, as the revolt ran out of steam.

City Labour MP Mike Foster, a Ministerial aide, swung behind Mr Blair in both votes.

Today he said: "Now it is time for every member of Parliament to get behind our Armed Forces.

"They deserve our full support."

Mr Blair also had the backing of Conservative MPs across Herefordshire and Worcester.

Sir Michael Spicer (West Worcestershire), Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove), Bill Wiggin (Leominster) and Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) voted against the rebel amendment and for the Government motion.

But Hereford Liberal Democrat Paul Keetch and Independent Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor voted against Mr Blair.