Menu
19/01/2010
Hoon Faces Iraq Inquiry
Former defence secretary Geoff Hoon has insisted finding a diplomatic resolution in Iraq was always the Government's first priority.
Appearing before an inquiry into the war, Mr Hoon said no affirmative decisions were taken on the eventual invasion until the backing of MPs was granted.
He said the UK had never given its "unconditional" support for war, which overthrew Saddam Hussein.
According to Mr Hoon, who was defence secretary between 1999 and 2005, it would have been "inappropriate" for the cabinet to disclose legal advice it had received on the invasion.
A report from the then Attorney General Lord Goldsmith had raised some concerns over its legality.
These were later overcame, and Mr Hoon insisted the "categorical" final decision gave ministers the necessary assurances.
The inquiry has so far heard how cabinet members did not discuss the legality of war, despite concerns from International Development Minister Clare Short.
"His [Lord Goldsmith's] decision was that it was lawful. I cannot see how cabinet can look behind it," said Mr Hoon.
"I am not sure that it would be appropriate for cabinet to have that kind of discussion."
Mr Hoon said he was unaware of concerns by Ministry of Defence staff over some claims made within the 2002 dossier for war.
He said it was his belief the department was "content" with the document.
Mr Hoon suggested the "inherent assumption" that the UK would take part in military action, come what may, was wrong.
"I never assumed that we were in a position of unconditionally resorting to military action, actually, right up to the vote in the House of Commons," he said.
There was still "no expectation" within Whitehall following a crunch meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush in 2002.
He was later told to down play the military preparations being made by Downing Street, so the last bid for a UN resolution was not affected.
Mr Hoon claimed the nature of preparations meant some soldiers were not properly equip.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/GK)
Appearing before an inquiry into the war, Mr Hoon said no affirmative decisions were taken on the eventual invasion until the backing of MPs was granted.
He said the UK had never given its "unconditional" support for war, which overthrew Saddam Hussein.
According to Mr Hoon, who was defence secretary between 1999 and 2005, it would have been "inappropriate" for the cabinet to disclose legal advice it had received on the invasion.
A report from the then Attorney General Lord Goldsmith had raised some concerns over its legality.
These were later overcame, and Mr Hoon insisted the "categorical" final decision gave ministers the necessary assurances.
The inquiry has so far heard how cabinet members did not discuss the legality of war, despite concerns from International Development Minister Clare Short.
"His [Lord Goldsmith's] decision was that it was lawful. I cannot see how cabinet can look behind it," said Mr Hoon.
"I am not sure that it would be appropriate for cabinet to have that kind of discussion."
Mr Hoon said he was unaware of concerns by Ministry of Defence staff over some claims made within the 2002 dossier for war.
He said it was his belief the department was "content" with the document.
Mr Hoon suggested the "inherent assumption" that the UK would take part in military action, come what may, was wrong.
"I never assumed that we were in a position of unconditionally resorting to military action, actually, right up to the vote in the House of Commons," he said.
There was still "no expectation" within Whitehall following a crunch meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush in 2002.
He was later told to down play the military preparations being made by Downing Street, so the last bid for a UN resolution was not affected.
Mr Hoon claimed the nature of preparations meant some soldiers were not properly equip.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 October 2008
Stansted Expansion Plans Given Green Light
Plans for an extension of Stansted Airport, which would increase passenger numbers by 10 million, have been given the go-ahead by the Government. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement today, which would see an increase in flights from 241,000 to 264,000 - and raise the number of passengers from 25 million to 35 million.
Stansted Expansion Plans Given Green Light
Plans for an extension of Stansted Airport, which would increase passenger numbers by 10 million, have been given the go-ahead by the Government. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement today, which would see an increase in flights from 241,000 to 264,000 - and raise the number of passengers from 25 million to 35 million.
08 January 2010
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
PM Challenge 'Over'
A potential plot to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown from within the Labour Party "is over", 'orchestrator' Geoff Hoon said today. Former Defence Minister Mr Hoon, along with fellow ex-Cabinet member Patricia Hewitt, emailed all Labour MPs this week suggesting a secret ballot should be held on Mr Brown's future leadership.
06 January 2010
Brown Ballot 'Plot' Underway
Former Cabinet allies of the Prime Minister have proposed holding a secret ballot on his leadership, it emerged today. Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
Brown Ballot 'Plot' Underway
Former Cabinet allies of the Prime Minister have proposed holding a secret ballot on his leadership, it emerged today. Ex-ministers Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt's move came as a shock within political circles this afternoon, with many expecting a General Election to be called within weeks.
22 October 2007
Commons Grilling On Terror Laws
The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith is to be questioned about the government's plans for tighter anti-terror laws. She is to appear before the cross-party House of Commons Home Affairs Committee and will be expected to explain how ministers plan to take forward the issue of the maximum detention limit before charge for terror suspects.
Commons Grilling On Terror Laws
The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith is to be questioned about the government's plans for tighter anti-terror laws. She is to appear before the cross-party House of Commons Home Affairs Committee and will be expected to explain how ministers plan to take forward the issue of the maximum detention limit before charge for terror suspects.
19 January 2004
Hoon meets with Iraq war widow
Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
Hoon meets with Iraq war widow
Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:The night will continue cloudy and mainly dry with mist patches and a little drizzle at times. It will be a mild night with light winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
