Menu
21/01/2011
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry.
Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets.
However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Following the last hearing, Chairman Sir John Chilcot said there could be further hearings due to gaps in evidence.
After facing 106 written questions by the chairman and other panel members a year after his first appearance, the former prime minister responded with a 26-page written answer before today's session.
Describing Lord Goldsmith's guidance as "provisional", Mr Blair disregarded the warning that attacking Iraq would be illegal without further UN backing.
On January 14 2003, the peer told Mr Blair that UN Resolution 1441 was not enough on its own to justify the use of force against Iraq.
However the former Prime Minister told the Commons it was necessary to be able to say that the UK would still act if an unreasonable veto was put down.
On March 7 the peer presented Mr Blair with formal legal advice that a "reasonable case" could be made for launching an attack without extra UN backing.
Sir John and his team have now also seen documents to which they did not have access a year ago.
Mr Blair is one of a number of key figures to reappear before the Chilcot committee. Other witnesses include; former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Bryce.
It is believed that some evidence provided by other witnesses have contradicted that given by the former Prime Minister.
(BMcN)
Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets.
However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Following the last hearing, Chairman Sir John Chilcot said there could be further hearings due to gaps in evidence.
After facing 106 written questions by the chairman and other panel members a year after his first appearance, the former prime minister responded with a 26-page written answer before today's session.
Describing Lord Goldsmith's guidance as "provisional", Mr Blair disregarded the warning that attacking Iraq would be illegal without further UN backing.
On January 14 2003, the peer told Mr Blair that UN Resolution 1441 was not enough on its own to justify the use of force against Iraq.
However the former Prime Minister told the Commons it was necessary to be able to say that the UK would still act if an unreasonable veto was put down.
On March 7 the peer presented Mr Blair with formal legal advice that a "reasonable case" could be made for launching an attack without extra UN backing.
Sir John and his team have now also seen documents to which they did not have access a year ago.
Mr Blair is one of a number of key figures to reappear before the Chilcot committee. Other witnesses include; former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Bryce.
It is believed that some evidence provided by other witnesses have contradicted that given by the former Prime Minister.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
06 September 2010
Tony Blair Cancels London Book Signing
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a book signing in London this week, following protests at a signing in Dublin at the weekend.
Tony Blair Cancels London Book Signing
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has cancelled a book signing in London this week, following protests at a signing in Dublin at the weekend.
14 November 2006
Blair gives evidence in US Iraq inquiry
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given evidence to a US inquiry reviewing policy in Iraq. Mr Blair gave evidence to the Iraq Study Group via video-link.
Blair gives evidence in US Iraq inquiry
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given evidence to a US inquiry reviewing policy in Iraq. Mr Blair gave evidence to the Iraq Study Group via video-link.
08 December 2010
Blair Recalled Over Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been recalled to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. The former Prime Minister is one of a number of key figures to reappear before the Chilcot committee. Other witnesses include; former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Bryce.
Blair Recalled Over Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been recalled to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. The former Prime Minister is one of a number of key figures to reappear before the Chilcot committee. Other witnesses include; former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Bryce.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
