Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'

Removing Saddam Hussein from power was not perceived as a top priority for British diplomats in 2001, despite concerns over the threat he posed.

Former intelligence boss Sir Peter Ricketts said no-one within the UK Government at the time was "promoting support" for a regime change in Iraq.

He was speaking at the opening day of the London inquiry into the war, chaired by Sir John Chilcot.

Sir John said the inquiry was set up to identify the lessons that should be learned from the UK's involvement in Iraq, and to help future governments who may face similar situations.

The first witnesses to appear before the public hearing included Sir Michael Wood, a former Foreign Office legal adviser; Sir Peter Ricketts, 2000-2001 chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee; Simon Webb, former Ministry of Defence policy director; and Sir William Patey, the former Head of Middle East Department, Foreign Office.

Ex PM, Tony Blair is also expected to answer questions from the inquiry panel at a later stage.

Today, the panel focused on events proceeding the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Sir Peter spoke of the threat posed by the region and said there was a "clear impression" Iraq's government was attempting to acquire greater military capabilities, namely weapons of mass destruction.

However, Sir Peter said in 2001 it was assumed "it was not our policy that we were seeking the removal of Saddam Hussein".

He said there were "voices" in Washington uttering the contrary well before George W Bush became American president.

Ex-Foreign Office official Sir William said the UK wanted to "stay away from that end of the spectrum".

Sir Peter suggested the 11 September 2001 terror attack in New York had "added an edge to that work on weapons of mass destruction".

He said Washington officials hinted 9/11 would have "major implications" for Iraq if it was implicated in the attack.

"It was clear from late autumn (2001) that Iraq was being considered in a different light in light of the 9/11 attacks," he said.

However, according to Sir Peter, there was still no talk in Whitehall of an Iraqi regime change.

The inquiry continues.

(PR/BMcC)