MPs to debate Iraq war
Tony Blair could have a backbench rebellion to handle this afternoon as the House of Commons debates an inquiry into Iraq.The prime minister has refused to give in to demands from the Scottish national party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru, saying that an inquiry would "undermine troops" in the conflict.
The requested review into the lead-up to the 2003 war and its aftermath will be the first full debate of the conflict since the US-led invasion of Iraq three and a half years ago.
SNP leader Alex Salmond said of the debate: "This is the first time since the invasion of Iraq that the government can be held to account over this illegal and unwanted war."
There has been much speculation from the Conservatives as to whether they will choose to back the SNP-Plaid motion.
However, ministers argue that the high-profile Butler inquiry and the Hutton report were adequate.
Plaid Cymru’s defence spokesperson Adam Price MP said: "This debate is not about revisiting the events of 2002 and 2003; it is an urgent attempt to restore trust and credibility in our democracy."
The opposition day debate will commence this afternoon.
1 comment:
Fantastic debate today only to be let down by the toadying of spineless Labour MPs such as Jim McGovern of Dundee West and Jim Devine of Livingston.
I've just posted the names of the 12 Labour MPs who voted against the SNP/Plaid motion which was almost identical to the Early Day Motion (1088) which these same 12 Labour MPs signed. If they. along with other co-signatories had voted No yesterday (fine chance of their parliamentary voting record matching their public posturing) then Blair would have been defeated (unlikely to have resigned) but a House of Commons Select Committee could have started the process of investigating Suez II aka the Iraq invasion.
www.tartanhero.blogspot.com
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