Liberal Democrats call for full public inquiry into Iraq war

2.11.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 25th Apr 2005

Liberal Democrats, today put Iraq at the heart of their Party's election campaign by reiterating calls for a full public inquiry into the way the Prime Minister took the country to war.

Commenting, Don Foster said:

"Iraq deserves to be a key issue in this election, not only because of what has transpired, but because of what may yet happen.

"The invasion of Iraq has resulted in no WMDs, thousands of soldiers and civilians being killed, over £3.5 billion of British money spent, and terrorists only encouraged not deterred.

"Britain's international reputation has been damaged by the way Tony Blair took us to war. It has undermined Tony Blair's own standing as Prime Minister. It has undermined trust in government and politics generally.

"It is this Labour Government which took the decision to send our troops to Iraq, with the full support of the Conservative party. It is time they are held accountable.

"Each Labour candidate should answer for the Government's rush to war. Each Conservative candidate should answer for their party's blind support.

"Tony Blair says that 'history' will be his judge. He is wrong - the British people will be his judge."