UK's Blair defeats opposition call for Iraq probe

LONDON, Oct 31 (Reuters) British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour government defeated an opposition call in parliament for a fresh inquiry into the Iraq war today, sparing Blair embarrassment.

Members voted 298 to 273 against an opposition motion calling for senior politicians to investigate the runup to the 2003 conflict and its aftermath.

Blair saw his parliamentary majority cut as some Labour members voted against the government.

The prime minister averted what would have been a damaging defeat after Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett raised the possibility of an inquiry into the war once the fighting was over and British troops were home.

REUTERS SRS BD0131