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Tories in new Iraq inquiry call | Tories in new Iraq inquiry call |
(about 6 hours later) | |
The Tories will call a Commons debate demanding a full inquiry into the Iraq war, William Hague has said. | The Tories will call a Commons debate demanding a full inquiry into the Iraq war, William Hague has said. |
The shadow foreign secretary told the BBC it would become "progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry" unless it was held soon. | The shadow foreign secretary told the BBC it would become "progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry" unless it was held soon. |
The Tories will use an Opposition Day debate next Tuesday to call for a full privy council probe into the war. | The Tories will use an Opposition Day debate next Tuesday to call for a full privy council probe into the war. |
The Independent reported that Gordon Brown had agreed in a letter to holding an inquiry "when it is appropriate". | The Independent reported that Gordon Brown had agreed in a letter to holding an inquiry "when it is appropriate". |
A previous Tory call for a full inquiry was defeated in the Commons last June by 288 votes to 253 last June, but the government's majority was nearly halved to 35. | A previous Tory call for a full inquiry was defeated in the Commons last June by 288 votes to 253 last June, but the government's majority was nearly halved to 35. |
'Memories fade' | 'Memories fade' |
The government argued that an investigation should not be held while UK troops were still in action in Iraq, saying it would be a diversion. | The government argued that an investigation should not be held while UK troops were still in action in Iraq, saying it would be a diversion. |
But Mr Hague told the BBC on Monday it was important to look into the origins and conduct of the war immediately. | But Mr Hague told the BBC on Monday it was important to look into the origins and conduct of the war immediately. |
It will get from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry William Hague | It will get from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry William Hague |
"Five years on, unless we commence this inquiry pretty soon, then memories of what happened will have faded," he said. | "Five years on, unless we commence this inquiry pretty soon, then memories of what happened will have faded," he said. |
"Memories of five or six years ago, in the run-up to the war, the documents will have started to disappear, emails will have been erased, and so on. | "Memories of five or six years ago, in the run-up to the war, the documents will have started to disappear, emails will have been erased, and so on. |
"It will get, from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry.'' | "It will get, from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry.'' |
'When appropriate' | 'When appropriate' |
Mr Hague said that, as British troops were "reduced to an over watch role" and were due to swap that for a "mentoring and training role" later this year, the government's argument for not holding an inquiry was "collapsing". | |
Earlier the Independent reported that Mr Brown had sent a letter to the Fabian Society on the issue. | Earlier the Independent reported that Mr Brown had sent a letter to the Fabian Society on the issue. |
He wrote: "There will come a time when it is appropriate to hold an inquiry." | He wrote: "There will come a time when it is appropriate to hold an inquiry." |
Perhaps next week's debate will also give David Cameron and his colleagues the chance to explain why they voted for this catastrophic war in the first place Edward DaveyLib Dems | |
But he added: "Whilst the whole effort of the government and the armed forces is directed towards supporting the people and government of Iraq as they forge a future based on reconciliation, democracy, prosperity and security, we believe that is not now." | But he added: "Whilst the whole effort of the government and the armed forces is directed towards supporting the people and government of Iraq as they forge a future based on reconciliation, democracy, prosperity and security, we believe that is not now." |
The Liberal Democrats have also called for an inquiry to be held, while the relevant ministers remain in office. | The Liberal Democrats have also called for an inquiry to be held, while the relevant ministers remain in office. |
On Monday, Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Edward Davey added: "It is good to see that the Tories are following our lead in calling for an inquiry. | |
"Perhaps next week's debate will also give David Cameron and his colleagues the chance to explain why they voted for this catastrophic war in the first place." | |
In November 2006, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru tabled a motion for an immediate inquiry, but this was rejected by MPs. | In November 2006, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru tabled a motion for an immediate inquiry, but this was rejected by MPs. |
Butler report | Butler report |
There has already been the Butler report into intelligence failings and the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly. | There has already been the Butler report into intelligence failings and the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly. |
In July 2003, the foreign affairs select committee also published a report into Iraq weapons claims. | In July 2003, the foreign affairs select committee also published a report into Iraq weapons claims. |
But critics say those inquiries were too narrowly focused and without sufficient independence and power to ensure the lessons of the decision to go to war - and its aftermath - can be clearly learned. | But critics say those inquiries were too narrowly focused and without sufficient independence and power to ensure the lessons of the decision to go to war - and its aftermath - can be clearly learned. |
Asked about Mr Brown's letter to the Fabian Society later, his spokesman said there was "nothing new" in it as it just re-stated the position already taken by Tony Blair when he was prime minister. | |