Menu
16/07/2003
PM stands by Iraq dossier ahead of Washington summit
Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted that the British public was not misled over the seriousness of the threat posed by the possible presence of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.
Speaking during the last question time before Parliament's summer recess, Mr Blair said he stood by the contents of the Government's September dossier on Iraqi weapon capabilities, despite vigorous calls from MPs for an independent inquiry into the issue.
The debate comes at a time when the Government continues to be embroiled in controversy over allegations contained within a BBC report that the Government dossier deliberately overstated the threat posed by Iraqi military capabilities.
Calls for an independent inquiry came from all sides today as Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy and shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram stressed that the only way to restore confidence in the Government's justification for going to war would be to initiate a judicial enquiry into the creation of the dossier.
However, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw rebutted the calls by stating that both he and the Prime Minister had already given evidence to the Commons intelligence and security committee, which is conducting an inquiry into the issue behind closed doors. He went on to insist that an independent inquiry was likely to take several years and cost "up to £30m", as well as failing to serve the public interest.
Mr Blair is now preparing to leave for Washington, where he will meet with President Bush amid an international dispute over British claims about alleged attempts by Saddam Hussein to secure uranium from Niger.
(CL)
Speaking during the last question time before Parliament's summer recess, Mr Blair said he stood by the contents of the Government's September dossier on Iraqi weapon capabilities, despite vigorous calls from MPs for an independent inquiry into the issue.
The debate comes at a time when the Government continues to be embroiled in controversy over allegations contained within a BBC report that the Government dossier deliberately overstated the threat posed by Iraqi military capabilities.
Calls for an independent inquiry came from all sides today as Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy and shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram stressed that the only way to restore confidence in the Government's justification for going to war would be to initiate a judicial enquiry into the creation of the dossier.
However, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw rebutted the calls by stating that both he and the Prime Minister had already given evidence to the Commons intelligence and security committee, which is conducting an inquiry into the issue behind closed doors. He went on to insist that an independent inquiry was likely to take several years and cost "up to £30m", as well as failing to serve the public interest.
Mr Blair is now preparing to leave for Washington, where he will meet with President Bush amid an international dispute over British claims about alleged attempts by Saddam Hussein to secure uranium from Niger.
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
14 July 2004
Intelligence errors were made in good faith, Butler inquiry finds
Strains, oversights and systems failures, but not individual mendacity nor political pressure, lay at the heart of intelligence failings in the run up to war in Iraq, Lord Butler's inquiry has concluded.
Intelligence errors were made in good faith, Butler inquiry finds
Strains, oversights and systems failures, but not individual mendacity nor political pressure, lay at the heart of intelligence failings in the run up to war in Iraq, Lord Butler's inquiry has concluded.
08 November 2010
Public Inquiry Into Stafford Hospital Opens
A public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital has opened today. The start of the inquiry, at the offices of Stafford Borough Council, was reportedly delayed because one of the relatives objected because family members and the media were in a different room to that of the inquiry Chairman Robert Francis QC and his panel.
Public Inquiry Into Stafford Hospital Opens
A public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital has opened today. The start of the inquiry, at the offices of Stafford Borough Council, was reportedly delayed because one of the relatives objected because family members and the media were in a different room to that of the inquiry Chairman Robert Francis QC and his panel.
18 May 2005
Calls for independent inquiry into Uzbekistan deaths
There have been calls for an independent inquiry into the deaths in Uzbekistan over the weekend, following a trip to the country by diplomats and UN officials today. A group of over 30 foreign diplomats and a number of foreign journalists were given a government-organised tour of Andijan today.
Calls for independent inquiry into Uzbekistan deaths
There have been calls for an independent inquiry into the deaths in Uzbekistan over the weekend, following a trip to the country by diplomats and UN officials today. A group of over 30 foreign diplomats and a number of foreign journalists were given a government-organised tour of Andijan today.
07 October 2014
Police Appeal For Witnesses To 'Horrific Attack' In Glasgow
An investigation into a "horrific attack" in Glasgow last week has been upgraded to a murder inquiry following the death of Stephen McGinlay. Mr McGinlay (26) was attacked by three men on St George's Road in Glasgow at about 17:50 on Thursday 02 October. He died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
Police Appeal For Witnesses To 'Horrific Attack' In Glasgow
An investigation into a "horrific attack" in Glasgow last week has been upgraded to a murder inquiry following the death of Stephen McGinlay. Mr McGinlay (26) was attacked by three men on St George's Road in Glasgow at about 17:50 on Thursday 02 October. He died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
