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31/07/2009
Blair Will Assist Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair will face questioning from a panel investigating the lead-up the Iraq war.
The official inquiry, sanctioned by Mr Blair's successor Gordon Brown, will be able to apportion blame for mistakes, however, only some of the details unearthed will be made public.
John Chilcot, a former civil servant, will head-up the inquiry panel. He has promised a thorough and independent probe, insisting there would be no "whitewash".
"If we find that people fell short in their duty, made mistakes (or) acted wrongly, we shall most certainly say so and say so clearly," Mr Chilcot told a news conference.
Former prime minister Mr Blair said he would cooperate fully with whatever format Mr Chilcot set for the inquiry.
The investigation could run into late next years, with a visit to Iraq expected and many high-profile witnesses set to be called.
Tory foreign affairs spokesman William Hague welcomed news that the inquiry could single out officials for blame.
However, Mr Hague said the panel, which includes eminent historian Martin Gilbert, lacked military experience.
In 2003 Mr Blair sent over 45,000 UK troops to support the US-led invasion of Iraq, with the intention of disposing president Saddam Hussein.
The main argument for war was that the Iraqi government held weapons of mass destruction, which could be detonated within 45 minutes.
No actual weapons were ever found in the country. Thousands of UK citizens held rallies in opposition to the war prior to the controversial invasion.
One hundred and seventy nine UK soldiers lost their lives during the war. Many troops have now been withdrawn from the region.
(PR/BMcC)
The official inquiry, sanctioned by Mr Blair's successor Gordon Brown, will be able to apportion blame for mistakes, however, only some of the details unearthed will be made public.
John Chilcot, a former civil servant, will head-up the inquiry panel. He has promised a thorough and independent probe, insisting there would be no "whitewash".
"If we find that people fell short in their duty, made mistakes (or) acted wrongly, we shall most certainly say so and say so clearly," Mr Chilcot told a news conference.
Former prime minister Mr Blair said he would cooperate fully with whatever format Mr Chilcot set for the inquiry.
The investigation could run into late next years, with a visit to Iraq expected and many high-profile witnesses set to be called.
Tory foreign affairs spokesman William Hague welcomed news that the inquiry could single out officials for blame.
However, Mr Hague said the panel, which includes eminent historian Martin Gilbert, lacked military experience.
In 2003 Mr Blair sent over 45,000 UK troops to support the US-led invasion of Iraq, with the intention of disposing president Saddam Hussein.
The main argument for war was that the Iraqi government held weapons of mass destruction, which could be detonated within 45 minutes.
No actual weapons were ever found in the country. Thousands of UK citizens held rallies in opposition to the war prior to the controversial invasion.
One hundred and seventy nine UK soldiers lost their lives during the war. Many troops have now been withdrawn from the region.
(PR/BMcC)
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27 January 2010
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
Goldsmith Before Iraq Inquiry
The Government's former chief legal adviser Lord Goldsmith did change his stance on the legality of the Iraq war prior to the invasion, he admitted today. Lord Goldsmith, the ex-Attorney General, said his first ruling that a second UN resolution was necessary had been "too cautious".
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.
29 January 2010
Blair Faces Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair put forward his evidence to the Iraq Inquiry in London today. The former prime minister defended the decisions he made in the run up to the conflict, which deposed dictator Saddam Hussein. Mr Blair was quizzed by the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, for around six hours.
Blair Faces Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair put forward his evidence to the Iraq Inquiry in London today. The former prime minister defended the decisions he made in the run up to the conflict, which deposed dictator Saddam Hussein. Mr Blair was quizzed by the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, for around six hours.
03 June 2003
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
18 January 2010
Blair For Iraq Inquiry This Month
Tony Blair will give evidence to the Chilcot Iraq inquiry on 29 January, it was confirmed today. The former Labour prime minister will face up to six hours of questioning from the panel. Mr Blair will be the highest profile contributor to the inquiry into the US and UK invasion of the country in 2003.
Blair For Iraq Inquiry This Month
Tony Blair will give evidence to the Chilcot Iraq inquiry on 29 January, it was confirmed today. The former Labour prime minister will face up to six hours of questioning from the panel. Mr Blair will be the highest profile contributor to the inquiry into the US and UK invasion of the country in 2003.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
