Menu
26/11/2009
Blair 'Tightened' After Camp David Talks
Tony Blair's view of the Iraqi regime "tightened" after talks with George W Bush at Camp David in 2002, according to the former UK ambassador in America.
Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
He claimed it was the first time Mr Blair had discussed a possible regime change in Iraq.
Sir Christopher, giving evidence during the third day of the Iraq Inquiry, said diplomats were left "scrabbling" for evidence of weapons of mass destruction in the region.
The Inquiry is currently studying the events which led to the 2003 invasion by US and UK troops.
Sir Christopher claimed weapons inspectors were looking for a "smoking gun" in Iraq, against the backdrop of growing US military preparation.
A year before the invasion, top UK diplomatic figures already deemed it "pointless" to challenge the American administration's war aspirations, according to the ex-ambassador.
Sir Christopher claimed the path to war was laid during talks at Camp David in April 2002.
He said it was impossible to be "entirely clear what the degree of convergence was, if you like, signed in blood", given no officials were present for some of the talks.
Prior to Mr Bush's election, Mr Blair was a "true believer in the wickedness of Saddam Hussein", according to Sir Christopher, who left his Washington post in 2003.
He said a "sea change" of views toward Iraq occurred in the United State following the 9/11 attacks in New York.
The British government, he said, was forced to react.
Sir David Manning, Mr Blair's foreign policy's adviser, told Sir Christoper the US was "powerful enough" to challenge the Iraqi regime alone, but said it would be better to get international "friends and partners" on board.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/KMcA)
Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
He claimed it was the first time Mr Blair had discussed a possible regime change in Iraq.
Sir Christopher, giving evidence during the third day of the Iraq Inquiry, said diplomats were left "scrabbling" for evidence of weapons of mass destruction in the region.
The Inquiry is currently studying the events which led to the 2003 invasion by US and UK troops.
Sir Christopher claimed weapons inspectors were looking for a "smoking gun" in Iraq, against the backdrop of growing US military preparation.
A year before the invasion, top UK diplomatic figures already deemed it "pointless" to challenge the American administration's war aspirations, according to the ex-ambassador.
Sir Christopher claimed the path to war was laid during talks at Camp David in April 2002.
He said it was impossible to be "entirely clear what the degree of convergence was, if you like, signed in blood", given no officials were present for some of the talks.
Prior to Mr Bush's election, Mr Blair was a "true believer in the wickedness of Saddam Hussein", according to Sir Christopher, who left his Washington post in 2003.
He said a "sea change" of views toward Iraq occurred in the United State following the 9/11 attacks in New York.
The British government, he said, was forced to react.
Sir David Manning, Mr Blair's foreign policy's adviser, told Sir Christoper the US was "powerful enough" to challenge the Iraqi regime alone, but said it would be better to get international "friends and partners" on board.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2010
Campbell Quizzed On Iraq
Former Labour 'spin doctor' Alastair Campbell has told the Iraq Inquiry he stands over "every single word" of the 2002 dossier that led the UK into war. The document claimed Sudan Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.
Campbell Quizzed On Iraq
Former Labour 'spin doctor' Alastair Campbell has told the Iraq Inquiry he stands over "every single word" of the 2002 dossier that led the UK into war. The document claimed Sudan Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.
04 November 2009
End Of MPs' Mortgage Claims Looms
The PM Gordon Brown has given his full backing to the proposed reform of MPs' expenses, outlined by Sir Christopher Kelly today. Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
End Of MPs' Mortgage Claims Looms
The PM Gordon Brown has given his full backing to the proposed reform of MPs' expenses, outlined by Sir Christopher Kelly today. Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
27 May 2003
Vodafone looks to turnover increase
Vodafone’s year-end results revealed a substantial turnover increase that helped cut the preceding year’s net loss of £16.16 billion to a loss to £9.82 billion. The group’s turnover rose from £22.85 million to £30.38 and was reflected in pre-tax earnings which increased 40% to £11.22 billion, up from £8 billion.
Vodafone looks to turnover increase
Vodafone’s year-end results revealed a substantial turnover increase that helped cut the preceding year’s net loss of £16.16 billion to a loss to £9.82 billion. The group’s turnover rose from £22.85 million to £30.38 and was reflected in pre-tax earnings which increased 40% to £11.22 billion, up from £8 billion.
02 October 2008
Sir Ian Blair Steps Down As Met Police Commissioner
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has announced he is to resign after three years as Britain's most senior policeman. Sir Ian, who was appointed as the 24th Met Police Commissioner in February 2005, said he would be standing down on 1 December.
Sir Ian Blair Steps Down As Met Police Commissioner
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has announced he is to resign after three years as Britain's most senior policeman. Sir Ian, who was appointed as the 24th Met Police Commissioner in February 2005, said he would be standing down on 1 December.
27 January 2006
Sir Ian Blair apologises for Soham comments
Metropolitan police Chief Sir Ian Blair has apologised for comments made about the Soham child murders during a speech.
Sir Ian Blair apologises for Soham comments
Metropolitan police Chief Sir Ian Blair has apologised for comments made about the Soham child murders during a speech.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
