Miliband: Parliament should not be asked to give the PM a "blank check"

[cali]

<snip>

For many, the shadow of Tony Blair’s 2003 decision to join the invasion of Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein hangs over the debate. That cost Blair popularity, eventually leading to his resignation as premier and Labour Party leader in 2007.

“I’m determined to learn the lessons of the past, including Iraq, and we can’t have the House of Commons being asked to write a blank check to the prime minister for military action,” Labour leader Ed Miliband told Sky News in a television interview today.

<snip>

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-29/cameron-risks-losing-syria-vote-after-opposition-refuses-support.html

Here's what Pat Leahy, had to say about the IWR and blank checks:

<snip>

This resolution, like others before it, does not declare anything. It tells the President "you decide." This resolution, when you get through the pages of whereas clauses, is nothing more than a blank check. The President can decide when to use military force, how to use it, and for how long.

<snip>

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0210/S00095.htm