Top Labour ministers insisted today that Britain's prime minister would not step down amid mounting criticism over Iraq, as the defence secretary dismissed media reports that the number of British troops in the war-torn country could be doubled.
"The prime minister has led and continues to lead and will lead for the future one of the most successful administrations for the last 60 years," Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told BBC Radio 4.
"Now, there are difficulties but people misunderstand our Prime Minister Tony Blair if they somehow think he is going to run away from his responsibilities because there is a lot of speculation in the newspapers."
Blair's popularity has been severely dented by Britain's involvement in the US-led occupation of Iraq, where soldiers from both countries have allegedly tortured Iraqi detainees and have failed to impose security and peace.
Several commentators have predicted Blair would step down before the general election, scheduled for next year.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon echoed Hain, saying the premier's overall performance and busy domestic schedule attested to the fact Blair was not "contemplating retirement."
On Iraq, Hoon told BBC1's Breakfast with Frost that Blair was "absolutely determined to see this job through."
{{/usCountry}}On Iraq, Hoon told BBC1's Breakfast with Frost that Blair was "absolutely determined to see this job through."
{{/usCountry}}A fresh survey in the Sunday Times newspaper showed 46 percent of respondents believe Blair should quit before the next election, as another 22 percent wanted him to go after the polls. Only 20 percent said he should stay on as prime minister if elected.
Hoon, meanwhile, brushed off media speculation that the number of British troops in Iraq, currently totalling some 8,000 soldiers, could rise twofold.