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Live: Blair faces Iraq inquiry Live: Blair faces Iraq inquiry
(10 minutes later)
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is giving evidence to the UK's Iraq war inquiry from 0930 GMT until 1700 GMT. Follow all the action, reaction and analysis on this automatically refreshing page. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is giving evidence to the UK's Iraq war inquiry from 0930 GMT until 1700 GMT. Follow all the action, reaction and analysis on this automatically refreshing page.
By Justin Parkinson 0956 A paper of 7 March 2001 described the arrangements for smart sanctions and urges better control of borders to Iraq. The idea was to seal off the borders around Iraq to make these more effective. The Russians would not back the idea, and it was dropped by May 2002, he adds. Mr Blair says it is "at least as persuasive" an argument that the smart sanctions would have failed, as saying they could have succeeded. By Justin Parkinson Does Blair expect us to believe that intelligence before 9/11 couldn't already have told us the scope of the threat? Continuing to use this as a reason for the invasion is laughable.Tom, London
People are calling for Blair's head, but the reality is Blair is far too clever and smooth to be put under pressure by this panel. He does a look a bit nervous, but you know he's far too well-prepared to be caught out.Mike, Newcastle
Can anyone else see Blair is trying to direct the committee in his answering questions - to give specific points to questions that are not asked for.Colin, Leeds
LClark tweets: At least he's not been running from his decision, like every single other politician.
1007 The "downside" arguments were about the risks of military involvement and to relationships with the Arab world and others, Mr Blair says. The "full range" of views were received, but "the trouble was, we had to make a decision".
1005 Mr Blair says he was "never short" of people challenging him during this period, including cabinet ministers Robin Cook and Clare Short. But the Iraq options paper was not specifically discussed at cabinet, he tells the inquiry.
1002 Mr Blair said he worked closely with former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and others. The conclusion was that sanctions were not working. They "absolutely" considered the options available, Mr Blair says.
1000 Sir Roderic Lyne, a former Foreign Office man himself, asks what options were open to the government post 9/11. Mr Blair says these were sanctions, Saddam allowing weapons inspectors in. The option of removing Saddam had "always been there". After 9/11, the view was that "we can't go on like this".
0958 Mr Blair says containment through sanctions was eroding and that trade sanctions under revised UN arrangements were being "watered down".
0956 A paper of 7 March 2001 described the arrangements for smart sanctions and urges better control of borders to Iraq. The idea was to seal off the borders around Iraq to make these more effective. The Russians would not back the idea, and it was dropped by May 2002, he adds. Mr Blair says it is "at least as persuasive" an argument that the smart sanctions would have failed, as saying they could have succeeded.
Only a few minutes in and Blair is already trying to manipulate this situation to enable him to make a self promoting speech. What a slippery attitude to take.Luke, NorthamptonOnly a few minutes in and Blair is already trying to manipulate this situation to enable him to make a self promoting speech. What a slippery attitude to take.Luke, Northampton
0955 There is discussion about whether a document mentioned by Mr Blair has been declassified. It is available online in any case, he is told to laughter. Mr Blair says it described containment as a "least worst option". So-called "smart sanctions" were discussed by government, but there was "no guarantee" these would work, Mr Blair says.0955 There is discussion about whether a document mentioned by Mr Blair has been declassified. It is available online in any case, he is told to laughter. Mr Blair says it described containment as a "least worst option". So-called "smart sanctions" were discussed by government, but there was "no guarantee" these would work, Mr Blair says.
0954 On the policy of containment of Saddam, Mr Blair says the Iraqi leader had eroded support for previous sanctions and that food and money provided for food and medicines for Iraqis was being misused. Saddam had been "successful" in blaming the West for the sanctions.0954 On the policy of containment of Saddam, Mr Blair says the Iraqi leader had eroded support for previous sanctions and that food and money provided for food and medicines for Iraqis was being misused. Saddam had been "successful" in blaming the West for the sanctions.
0952 Sir Roderic Lyne says Saddam was not involved in 9/11 or with al-Qaeda. Mr Blair responds that 9/11 changed perceptions.0952 Sir Roderic Lyne says Saddam was not involved in 9/11 or with al-Qaeda. Mr Blair responds that 9/11 changed perceptions.
0951 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair argues that the "calculus of risk" changed after 9/11 from Iraq but also from other countries such as Libya. He gets an early rebuttal in to the charge that he was a 'Poodle' of the US by saying "this wasn't the American position-this was the British position."0951 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair argues that the "calculus of risk" changed after 9/11 from Iraq but also from other countries such as Libya. He gets an early rebuttal in to the charge that he was a 'Poodle' of the US by saying "this wasn't the American position-this was the British position."
0949 Mr Blair says that, in his statement to the Commons on 14 September 2001, he specifically dealt with the issue of weapons of mass destruction. The 9/11 attacks were inspired by "religious fanaticism" and the attackers would have killed "30,000" had they been able, he says. After that time, Mr Blair says it became clear "you could not take risks" and that terrorists would use chemical and biological weapons. This was "not an American position", but the UK's own view, he says.0949 Mr Blair says that, in his statement to the Commons on 14 September 2001, he specifically dealt with the issue of weapons of mass destruction. The 9/11 attacks were inspired by "religious fanaticism" and the attackers would have killed "30,000" had they been able, he says. After that time, Mr Blair says it became clear "you could not take risks" and that terrorists would use chemical and biological weapons. This was "not an American position", but the UK's own view, he says.
0949 Mr Blair says the effectiveness of sanctions before 9/11 was eroding. He adds that he has gone back through his speeches during this period. From 1997 to 2001 Mr Blair says the sanctions in place on Iraq weren't the "top priority". If 9/11 had not happened, the assessment of Saddam would not have been the same. The UK and US view changed "dramatically" at this point, Mr Blair says.0949 Mr Blair says the effectiveness of sanctions before 9/11 was eroding. He adds that he has gone back through his speeches during this period. From 1997 to 2001 Mr Blair says the sanctions in place on Iraq weren't the "top priority". If 9/11 had not happened, the assessment of Saddam would not have been the same. The UK and US view changed "dramatically" at this point, Mr Blair says.
0948 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson Sir John Chilcot has in effect indicated that the questioning will focus on some of the most controversial areas - Tony Blair's meeting with President Bush in Texas in April 2002 - which some opponents of war suggest that was when the former prime minister really signed up to regime change, and how the case was presented to parliament - opponents say Tony Blair misled parliament by suggesting in a dossier that intelligence on Iraq's weapons programme was 'beyond doubt' rather than sporadic and patchy. A less controversial area will be covered later on - the aftermath of war, where there is abroad consensus - at least in the UK, that this was not handled well initially; Gordon Brown has criticised this and David Blunkett this morning called it 'a shambles'0948 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson Sir John Chilcot has in effect indicated that the questioning will focus on some of the most controversial areas - Tony Blair's meeting with President Bush in Texas in April 2002 - which some opponents of war suggest that was when the former prime minister really signed up to regime change, and how the case was presented to parliament - opponents say Tony Blair misled parliament by suggesting in a dossier that intelligence on Iraq's weapons programme was 'beyond doubt' rather than sporadic and patchy. A less controversial area will be covered later on - the aftermath of war, where there is abroad consensus - at least in the UK, that this was not handled well initially; Gordon Brown has criticised this and David Blunkett this morning called it 'a shambles'
Today, Tony Blair mainly gets to prove he's a lawyer. He will mainly rely on retrospective justification, and black will be proven white once more.Peter Baker, ZurichToday, Tony Blair mainly gets to prove he's a lawyer. He will mainly rely on retrospective justification, and black will be proven white once more.Peter Baker, Zurich
0942 He asks Mr Blair what he thought of the policy of containment of Saddam Hussein before the terror attacks of 11 September 2001. Mr Blair begins his evidence, saying Saddam was a "major problem" in this period, with breaches of the no-fly zone which had been imposed. He says the UK's policy was "doing our best, hoping for the best, but with a different calculus of risk-assessment". After 9/11, this calculus of risk changed, Mr Blair adds.0942 He asks Mr Blair what he thought of the policy of containment of Saddam Hussein before the terror attacks of 11 September 2001. Mr Blair begins his evidence, saying Saddam was a "major problem" in this period, with breaches of the no-fly zone which had been imposed. He says the UK's policy was "doing our best, hoping for the best, but with a different calculus of risk-assessment". After 9/11, this calculus of risk changed, Mr Blair adds.
0939 Panel member Sir Roderic Lyne opens the questioning. He asks how Mr Blair's government developed its broad strategy to Iraq in 2001 and early 2002, together with the US.0939 Panel member Sir Roderic Lyne opens the questioning. He asks how Mr Blair's government developed its broad strategy to Iraq in 2001 and early 2002, together with the US.
0937 Mr Blair could appear again at the inquiry at a later, Sir John Chilcot says, should this be deemed necessary. Today's hearing will focus on strategy towards Iraq up until 2002, including Mr Blair's meetings with former US President George W Bush. The presentation of Iraq policy and the diplomatic efforts in the lead-up to war will be discussed. The aftermath of war will also be dealt with.0937 Mr Blair could appear again at the inquiry at a later, Sir John Chilcot says, should this be deemed necessary. Today's hearing will focus on strategy towards Iraq up until 2002, including Mr Blair's meetings with former US President George W Bush. The presentation of Iraq policy and the diplomatic efforts in the lead-up to war will be discussed. The aftermath of war will also be dealt with.
0935 Sir John Chilcot sets out the committee's aims to Mr Blair. He says the war has aroused "strong emotions" and that bereaved families are looking for answers. The inquiry is "not a trial", he adds.0935 Sir John Chilcot sets out the committee's aims to Mr Blair. He says the war has aroused "strong emotions" and that bereaved families are looking for answers. The inquiry is "not a trial", he adds.
0934 The waiting is over. Tony Blair's six-hour question-and-answer session is beginning. The former prime minister looks fairly relaxed, greeting his inquisitors with a "morning", but the butterflies must be there.0934 The waiting is over. Tony Blair's six-hour question-and-answer session is beginning. The former prime minister looks fairly relaxed, greeting his inquisitors with a "morning", but the butterflies must be there.
0932 Iraq inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcott says he hopes the committee can go through today's evidence in an "orderly way", reminding the audience to behave when Mr Blair arrives and speaks.0932 Iraq inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcott says he hopes the committee can go through today's evidence in an "orderly way", reminding the audience to behave when Mr Blair arrives and speaks.
0931 No new declassified documents will be released by the Iraq inquiry today, the BBC has learned. Several have been published in the last few days.0931 No new declassified documents will be released by the Iraq inquiry today, the BBC has learned. Several have been published in the last few days.
0930 Henrietta Heald, one of the members of the public who won tickets to the hearing, via a ballot, says there was a "festival atmosphere" in the queue. Inside the hall, there is a large screen, with "muzak" playing, she adds ahead of Mr Blair's appearance.0930 Henrietta Heald, one of the members of the public who won tickets to the hearing, via a ballot, says there was a "festival atmosphere" in the queue. Inside the hall, there is a large screen, with "muzak" playing, she adds ahead of Mr Blair's appearance.
0930 From the BBC's Dominic Casciani: Even with the noisy police chopper overhead and the drizzle, the crowd of a few hundred protesters were enjoying themselves outside the inquiry HQ. There's some megaphone-synchronised chanting, declaring Tony Blair a war criminal, and a makeshift prison cell holding someone with a TB mask and blood on his hands. The photographers from the tabloids cheered up thanks to three young ladies who agreed to high-kick their way through a ditty about weapons of mass destruction. All the demonstrators have decided that, whatever TB says today, he should be put on trial.0930 From the BBC's Dominic Casciani: Even with the noisy police chopper overhead and the drizzle, the crowd of a few hundred protesters were enjoying themselves outside the inquiry HQ. There's some megaphone-synchronised chanting, declaring Tony Blair a war criminal, and a makeshift prison cell holding someone with a TB mask and blood on his hands. The photographers from the tabloids cheered up thanks to three young ladies who agreed to high-kick their way through a ditty about weapons of mass destruction. All the demonstrators have decided that, whatever TB says today, he should be put on trial.
0930 BBC political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg says the panel has face criticism about being "too soft" on previous witnesses. It will be under "enormous pressure" to give Mr Blair a tough grilling, she adds.0930 BBC political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg says the panel has face criticism about being "too soft" on previous witnesses. It will be under "enormous pressure" to give Mr Blair a tough grilling, she adds.
0929 It has been a dramatic week at the Iraq inquiry so far. Two former Foreign Office legal officials have told the panel they thought the war - without a UN resolution authorising invasion - was illegal. Ex-Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has said he changed his opinion on the matter in early 2003. Mr Blair is likely to be asked about these comments.0929 It has been a dramatic week at the Iraq inquiry so far. Two former Foreign Office legal officials have told the panel they thought the war - without a UN resolution authorising invasion - was illegal. Ex-Attorney General Lord Goldsmith has said he changed his opinion on the matter in early 2003. Mr Blair is likely to be asked about these comments.
0928 Mr Blair's last major public appearance in the UK was his final prime minister's questions session in 2007. On that occasion, he left the chamber of the House of Commons to a standing ovation.0928 Mr Blair's last major public appearance in the UK was his final prime minister's questions session in 2007. On that occasion, he left the chamber of the House of Commons to a standing ovation.
0925 Some of the families of the 179 UK service personnel killed in Iraq will be in the inquiry room at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre in central London. Hundreds of anti-war protesters have gathered outside the building. Mr Blair arrived at about 0800 GMT.0925 Some of the families of the 179 UK service personnel killed in Iraq will be in the inquiry room at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre in central London. Hundreds of anti-war protesters have gathered outside the building. Mr Blair arrived at about 0800 GMT.
0922 My colleague Iain Watson will be providing expert analysis of Mr Blair's performance at the inquiry, which is expected to get under way at about 0930 GMT. We will also have contributions from a range of different politicians during the course of the day.0922 My colleague Iain Watson will be providing expert analysis of Mr Blair's performance at the inquiry, which is expected to get under way at about 0930 GMT. We will also have contributions from a range of different politicians during the course of the day.
0920 This is the big one. Tony Blair, the prime minister who took Britain to war in Iraq in 2003, is to face six hours of questioning about his role. The five members of the Iraq inquiry will ask him about the build-up to the invasion, the conduct of the war and the planning and execution of its aftermath. There will be particular interest in the legality - or otherwise - of the war and the discussions between the US and Britain before troops were sent in without a second United Nations resolution. Also expect questions about the claim that Saddam Hussein was developing "weapons of mass destruction". You can watch whole session via the video stream at the top of the page, which is on a one minute delay.0920 This is the big one. Tony Blair, the prime minister who took Britain to war in Iraq in 2003, is to face six hours of questioning about his role. The five members of the Iraq inquiry will ask him about the build-up to the invasion, the conduct of the war and the planning and execution of its aftermath. There will be particular interest in the legality - or otherwise - of the war and the discussions between the US and Britain before troops were sent in without a second United Nations resolution. Also expect questions about the claim that Saddam Hussein was developing "weapons of mass destruction". You can watch whole session via the video stream at the top of the page, which is on a one minute delay.