Iraqi parliament blast condemned

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The blast, which killed at least eight people - including a reported three MPs - was condemned by Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett as "appalling". Shadow foreign secretary William Hague echoed the condemnation saying the attack proved the "enormity" of the challenge of rebuilding the country.

The Liberal Democrats said the explosion, in a cafe inside the Parliament building which lies within the heavily-fortified Green Zone, called into question the current US-led security surge in the capital.

Mrs Beckett said in a statement: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this appalling attack on the democratically-elected members of the Iraqi Parliament going about their day-to-day business.

"My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this terrible act. Nothing could highlight more the twisted minds of those who are seeking to disrupt the democratic process in Iraq.

"Those who carry out these outrageous attacks offer nothing to the Iraqi people except more murder and destruction. The Iraqi people have shown great fortitude and courage - they deserve our full and continued support."

Mr Hague said: "I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have occurred in Baghdad. The fact that the latest attack has taken place within the Green Zone itself, and that it targeted the Iraqi Parliament, proves the enormity of the challenge for the emerging Iraqi democracy."

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Michael Moore said: "This is a chilling attack at the heart of Iraq's fledgling democracy. It is a terrible reminder of the savage violence in Baghdad and once again raises questions about the current security strategy."

The death of one Iraqi MP was confirmed by his party leaders but reports suggested that one or two others may also have been killed by the blast, which hit a cafeteria at lunchtime.

Reports said security officials identified the bomber as the bodyguard of a Sunni MP. The blast came shortly after at least 10 people were killed by a suicide truck bomb on a major bridge in the capital.