This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6386889.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Straw promises Iraq war inquiry Straw promises Iraq war inquiry
(about 1 hour later)
Commons leader Jack Straw has told reporters an inquiry into the Iraq war will be held "in due course". Commons leader Jack Straw has said an inquiry into the Iraq war will be held "in due course".
The government has been under pressure to hold a full-scale inquiry into all aspects of the war - including the political decision to invade Iraq. The government has been under pressure to hold a full-scale inquiry into all aspects of the war.
Downing Street said it was "not the time" to have an inquiry while British troops were in the country.Downing Street said it was "not the time" to have an inquiry while British troops were in the country.
The Tories said one was needed this year before "memories" faded, while the Lib Dems said it should be held while relevant ministers remained in office.
Last year the government managed to defeat a cross-party bid to force an immediate inquiry.Last year the government managed to defeat a cross-party bid to force an immediate inquiry.
Mr Straw insisted there was no difference between what he said and what the PM had said earlier. Mr Straw, speaking at a lunch for political journalists in Westminster, insisted there was no difference between his position and what Prime Minister Tony Blair had said previously.
The PM's official spokesman said: "The PM has said there will come a time when people will want to look at this issue but now is not the time when our troops are on the ground." He added: "There are possibly occasions when members of the Cabinet end up in different places, but this isn't one of them."
Franks inquiry A contemporary investigation is what we need Sir Menzies CampbellLiberal Democrat leader
At the time, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett also said that it was the "wrong time" for an inquiry, although Defence Secretary Des Browne did say an inquiry would be held. Mr Blair's official spokesman said: "The PM has said there will come a time when people will want to look at this issue but now is not the time when our troops are on the ground."
Mr Straw made his comments at a lunch for political journalists in Westminster.
The Conservatives, who backed the Iraq war, favour an investigation similar to the Franks inquiry carried out after the Falklands war, involving former generals and civil servants rather than just MPs.The Conservatives, who backed the Iraq war, favour an investigation similar to the Franks inquiry carried out after the Falklands war, involving former generals and civil servants rather than just MPs.
The SNP and Plaid Cymru have tried to force an inquiry into the decision-making process that led to the Iraq war. Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said Mr Straw's statement was a "welcome U-turn" by the government.
There has already been the Butler report into intelligence failings and the Hutton inquiry into the death of Dr Kelly. "It is vital to learn from the many mistakes that have been made," he said.
"Such an inquiry needs to be established this year, before memories of events in 2002 and 2003 start to fade."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell also said it was crucial to have an inquiry now.
"The appropriate moment is while the relevant ministers are still in office and the applicable MPs are still in parliament.
"An inquiry which proves only to have historical value will not do. A contemporary investigation is what we need."
Butler report
The Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have tried to force an inquiry into the decision-making process that led to the Iraq war.
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.
Mr Blair announced on Wednesday a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, with 1,600 due to return by April, while 5,500 stay till 2008.Mr Blair announced on Wednesday a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, with 1,600 due to return by April, while 5,500 stay till 2008.