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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 1438 Once discussions about action in Iraq began with the Americans, Mr Blair says he was sure by March 2002 that it was important to go via the UN route. By Justin Parkinson 1448 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: This is an interesting line of questioning by Sir Roderic - why did Tony Blair pursue - in the end without success - a second UN resolution if really, legally, only one resolution would suffice? Tony Blair said it was a difficult, balanced judgment.
1447 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair confirms military preparations were under way even before the 'first' UN resolution -1441- was passed but makes it clear ultimately no action would have taken without legal cover for it.
1444 Mr Blair says he was "well aware" that Lord Goldsmith was saying that a second UN resolution was needed. Saddam made a "material breach" of the existing Resolution 1441, he added. There was "at least as powerful an argument" in favour of just one, rather than two, resolutions, he adds.
1441 Resolution 1441 was adopted by the UN in November 2002. By early 2003 the armed forces had been instructed to prepare for action, Sir Roderic Lyne says. He asks whether it would have been useful to have the attorney general's advice. Mr Blair says if Lord Goldsmith had said action against Iraq was unlawful, it would not have happened. Mr Blair says the government knew its options. It had not received formal advice, but Lord Goldsmith had made clear his opinion.
1438 Once discussions about action in Iraq began with the Americans, Mr Blair says he was sure by March 2002 that it was important to go via the UN route.
1436 Sir Roderic Lyne says it seems the attorney general rarely discussed the issue of Iraq with Mr Blair, particularly in 2002. Mr Blair says Lord Goldsmith had been "closely involved" but did not attend cabinet until the decision was to be taken. That was the usual practice, he said. However, he added that Lord Goldsmith was giving his advice to the prime minister and ministers, Mr Blair says.1436 Sir Roderic Lyne says it seems the attorney general rarely discussed the issue of Iraq with Mr Blair, particularly in 2002. Mr Blair says Lord Goldsmith had been "closely involved" but did not attend cabinet until the decision was to be taken. That was the usual practice, he said. However, he added that Lord Goldsmith was giving his advice to the prime minister and ministers, Mr Blair says.
1436 Mr Blair says he was given a Foreign Office paper on 8 March 2002 setting out legal terms for action against Iraq. Military action had been taken against Saddam in 1993 and 1998, he adds. The legal advice made it important to go down the UN route, Mr Blair tells the inquiry. The government was a "long way" from a decision, so the attorney general was not brought in at that point.1436 Mr Blair says he was given a Foreign Office paper on 8 March 2002 setting out legal terms for action against Iraq. Military action had been taken against Saddam in 1993 and 1998, he adds. The legal advice made it important to go down the UN route, Mr Blair tells the inquiry. The government was a "long way" from a decision, so the attorney general was not brought in at that point.
1434 Mr Blair says Sir Roderic's was a "fair summary of the legal background". He adds that Resolution 1441 declared Saddam was in breach of the UN's demands.1434 Mr Blair says Sir Roderic's was a "fair summary of the legal background". He adds that Resolution 1441 declared Saddam was in breach of the UN's demands.
1428 Sir Roderic Lyne says that Lord Goldsmith said later that Resoultion 1441 was compatible "in principle" with authorising force, but, if the matter came before a court, he was not confident this would work. He had, "to a degree", parted opinion with the Foreign Office lawyers, he adds. Lord Goldsmith was asked for a "yes or no" decision. By 13 March, he had decided that "on balance" there was a lawful basis for use of force without having to go beyond Resolution 1441. But this required a determination that Iraq was "in further material breach" of its obligations. Lord Goldsmith said he had asked Mr Blair to say this and Mr Blair had done so. This gave the "green light" for action, Sir Roderic says.1428 Sir Roderic Lyne says that Lord Goldsmith said later that Resoultion 1441 was compatible "in principle" with authorising force, but, if the matter came before a court, he was not confident this would work. He had, "to a degree", parted opinion with the Foreign Office lawyers, he adds. Lord Goldsmith was asked for a "yes or no" decision. By 13 March, he had decided that "on balance" there was a lawful basis for use of force without having to go beyond Resolution 1441. But this required a determination that Iraq was "in further material breach" of its obligations. Lord Goldsmith said he had asked Mr Blair to say this and Mr Blair had done so. This gave the "green light" for action, Sir Roderic says.
1425 Mr Blair says he is happy with the summary of legal issues so far. So Sir Roderic continues with his narrative of the way the debate over legality of the war went in the run-up to war.1425 Mr Blair says he is happy with the summary of legal issues so far. So Sir Roderic continues with his narrative of the way the debate over legality of the war went in the run-up to war.
1423 Sir Roderic Lyne says there was "consistent and united advice" from Foreign Office lawyers that fresh UN authorisation would have been needed to make the use of force against Iraq lawful. However, resolution 1441, which was passed by the UN, was not "crystal clear". Up until February 2003 the then Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, said that a further decision by the Security Council was required, he adds.1423 Sir Roderic Lyne says there was "consistent and united advice" from Foreign Office lawyers that fresh UN authorisation would have been needed to make the use of force against Iraq lawful. However, resolution 1441, which was passed by the UN, was not "crystal clear". Up until February 2003 the then Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, said that a further decision by the Security Council was required, he adds.
1420 Sir Roderic Lyne moves on to the issue of the legality of the war, which has been such a focus of previous hearings this week. He is summarising what was said previously, allowing Mr Blair to interject if he disagrees at any point.1420 Sir Roderic Lyne moves on to the issue of the legality of the war, which has been such a focus of previous hearings this week. He is summarising what was said previously, allowing Mr Blair to interject if he disagrees at any point.
1416 The aftermath of the invasion was "the most difficult part", Mr Blair says, adding that to have kept out of this would have been wrong.1416 The aftermath of the invasion was "the most difficult part", Mr Blair says, adding that to have kept out of this would have been wrong.
1416 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair confirms that George Bush was willing to go it alone in Iraq if it was "too difficult" for Britain but the former PM says his judgement - a word he's used often - was that the alliance with America was important and he had been down a UN path that he had hoped would work and had done everything he could to avoid this "tough choice" - and that the military agreed "if we were going to be part of this we should be whole hearted".1416 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair confirms that George Bush was willing to go it alone in Iraq if it was "too difficult" for Britain but the former PM says his judgement - a word he's used often - was that the alliance with America was important and he had been down a UN path that he had hoped would work and had done everything he could to avoid this "tough choice" - and that the military agreed "if we were going to be part of this we should be whole hearted".
1415 In October 2002, the military was saying it wanted a "wholehearted" operation in Iraq, Mr Blair says. Forces performed magnificently during and after the invasion, he adds.1415 In October 2002, the military was saying it wanted a "wholehearted" operation in Iraq, Mr Blair says. Forces performed magnificently during and after the invasion, he adds.
1413 Mr Blair says he "genuinely hoped" the UN path would work.1413 Mr Blair says he "genuinely hoped" the UN path would work.
1412 As the war approached President Bush told Mr Blair that, if going into Iraq was too difficult, he would understand if the UK did not get involved, the inquiry hears. It was a "tough situation", Mr Blair adds.1412 As the war approached President Bush told Mr Blair that, if going into Iraq was too difficult, he would understand if the UK did not get involved, the inquiry hears. It was a "tough situation", Mr Blair adds.
1409 Mr Blair says he tried one "last-ditch chance" to get a UN solution, by defining more clearly the definition of a breach of the UN's will in terms of WMDs.1409 Mr Blair says he tried one "last-ditch chance" to get a UN solution, by defining more clearly the definition of a breach of the UN's will in terms of WMDs.
1406 Mr Blair is in his seat again. Sir Roderic Lyne asks about the position of the French government in the lead-up to war in 2003. Mr Blair says he spoke to President Jacques Chirac on 14 March. By that time the French, Germans and Russians had decided against force being used, Mr Blair says. There was a "pretty fundamental" political divide over whether or not there would be UN agreement on force.1406 Mr Blair is in his seat again. Sir Roderic Lyne asks about the position of the French government in the lead-up to war in 2003. Mr Blair says he spoke to President Jacques Chirac on 14 March. By that time the French, Germans and Russians had decided against force being used, Mr Blair says. There was a "pretty fundamental" political divide over whether or not there would be UN agreement on force.
1402 The panel is back. As he did this morning the inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcot warns against any distractions from the audience. Many of the audience are new this afternoon - there was so much demand to watch the ex-PM's session that a public ballot for tickets was held, with seats available for the morning or the afternoon.1402 The panel is back. As he did this morning the inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcot warns against any distractions from the audience. Many of the audience are new this afternoon - there was so much demand to watch the ex-PM's session that a public ballot for tickets was held, with seats available for the morning or the afternoon.
1401 Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox told the BBC Mr Blair had given a "very assured performance" and there had been no contrition "because he obviously believed he made the right decision". He said the Tories still backed the invasion but added: "We will want to see what he says in the rest of evidence." He said Mr Blair appeared to be trying to shift the justification for the war from the argument he made at the time about weapons of mass destruction to regime change.1401 Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox told the BBC Mr Blair had given a "very assured performance" and there had been no contrition "because he obviously believed he made the right decision". He said the Tories still backed the invasion but added: "We will want to see what he says in the rest of evidence." He said Mr Blair appeared to be trying to shift the justification for the war from the argument he made at the time about weapons of mass destruction to regime change.
1355 Valerie O'Neill, the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, told BBC Radio 4's World at One the atmosphere in the inquiry room was "very tense and there has been a few mutterings from the families when he has said that the families know not to be true".1355 Valerie O'Neill, the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, told BBC Radio 4's World at One the atmosphere in the inquiry room was "very tense and there has been a few mutterings from the families when he has said that the families know not to be true".
1350 From BBC world affairs correspondent Peter Biles at the inquiry: So Tony Blair remains a "true believer" in the Iraq war. There was not a hint of contrition or regret, in spite of the fact that bereaved families who lost loved ones in Iraq, were among those sitting behind him in the public gallery, listening to every word of his evidence. One of the sisters of Margaret Hassan, the British aid worker who was kidnapped and killed in Iraq, said the only consolation to be drawn from this morning's session was that Mr Blair had been forced to appear before the Iraq Inquiry. Mr Blair has remained firm in his belief that what he did in Iraq, was right. He was equally robust in his presentation, frequently trying to direct the Inquiry to notes and references which he had brought to bolster his case. The members of Sir John Chilcot's committee did their best to ensure that Mr Blair answered their questions, and did not deviate to the extent that he took control of the proceedings.1350 From BBC world affairs correspondent Peter Biles at the inquiry: So Tony Blair remains a "true believer" in the Iraq war. There was not a hint of contrition or regret, in spite of the fact that bereaved families who lost loved ones in Iraq, were among those sitting behind him in the public gallery, listening to every word of his evidence. One of the sisters of Margaret Hassan, the British aid worker who was kidnapped and killed in Iraq, said the only consolation to be drawn from this morning's session was that Mr Blair had been forced to appear before the Iraq Inquiry. Mr Blair has remained firm in his belief that what he did in Iraq, was right. He was equally robust in his presentation, frequently trying to direct the Inquiry to notes and references which he had brought to bolster his case. The members of Sir John Chilcot's committee did their best to ensure that Mr Blair answered their questions, and did not deviate to the extent that he took control of the proceedings.
1345 Andrew Gilligan, whose report led to the row between the BBC and the government over the September 2002 dossier, said Mr Blair's argument that the tolerance of Iraq changed after 9/11 "is a fairly illogical position because Iraq by everyone's admission had nothing to do with 9/11".1345 Andrew Gilligan, whose report led to the row between the BBC and the government over the September 2002 dossier, said Mr Blair's argument that the tolerance of Iraq changed after 9/11 "is a fairly illogical position because Iraq by everyone's admission had nothing to do with 9/11".
1338 Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Ed Davey has said Sir John Chilcot "is absolutely right to demand detailed reasoning from the cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell as to why he has rejected requests to make documents public. It is welcome news that Sir John may recall Tony Blair to the inquiry. The fact that Tony Blair cannot currently be questioned directly against these vital documents is totally unsatisfactory."1338 Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Ed Davey has said Sir John Chilcot "is absolutely right to demand detailed reasoning from the cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell as to why he has rejected requests to make documents public. It is welcome news that Sir John may recall Tony Blair to the inquiry. The fact that Tony Blair cannot currently be questioned directly against these vital documents is totally unsatisfactory."
1332The SNP's Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, tells the BBC: "Blair is a Private Eye parody of himself: 'Even if it was wrong, it was still the right thing to do'."1332The SNP's Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, tells the BBC: "Blair is a Private Eye parody of himself: 'Even if it was wrong, it was still the right thing to do'."
1333 BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson said the most striking thing about the morning's session was there had not been an apology or "a hint of contrition" from Mr Blair. "If you wanted to see Tony Blair pinned down you would be very angry indeed," he added.1333 BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson said the most striking thing about the morning's session was there had not been an apology or "a hint of contrition" from Mr Blair. "If you wanted to see Tony Blair pinned down you would be very angry indeed," he added.
1320 Former lord Chancellor Lord Falconer tells BBC Radio 4's The World at One that Mr Blair has shown a "total openness" about discussions with the US ahead of the war.1320 Former lord Chancellor Lord Falconer tells BBC Radio 4's The World at One that Mr Blair has shown a "total openness" about discussions with the US ahead of the war.
1319 The Westminster protest appears to have shrunk from its late-morning levels. The weather is dank and dreary. Things should be far livelier when Mr Blair leaves at about 1700 GMT.1319 The Westminster protest appears to have shrunk from its late-morning levels. The weather is dank and dreary. Things should be far livelier when Mr Blair leaves at about 1700 GMT.
andyvglnt tweets: Apparently I'm the only person on the internet giving Blair the benefit of the doubt. It's worth remembering that Tony Blair is not a panto baddy, but a human being, who took on the most difficult job in the country.andyvglnt tweets: Apparently I'm the only person on the internet giving Blair the benefit of the doubt. It's worth remembering that Tony Blair is not a panto baddy, but a human being, who took on the most difficult job in the country.
euphrosene tweets: Staggered how forelock tugging the Chilcot questioners have been. No wonder Blair looks like he's at a garden party!euphrosene tweets: Staggered how forelock tugging the Chilcot questioners have been. No wonder Blair looks like he's at a garden party!
mightymidget88 tweets: Typical Blair, it's his way or no way...You've got to admire his control over the proceedings though.mightymidget88 tweets: Typical Blair, it's his way or no way...You've got to admire his control over the proceedings though.
dotyacd tweets: Blair says "we would have lost our nerve." Does this refer to the then imminent US presidential election?dotyacd tweets: Blair says "we would have lost our nerve." Does this refer to the then imminent US presidential election?
1254 BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who is at the inquiry says: "It was on the issue of regime change that we learnt the most this morning. Up until today witnesses from Tony Blair's government have insisted that the Americans' stated objective of regime change was illegitimate and illegal. The British government's policy of disarmament was distinct, they insisted. However, this morning Tony Blair said that there was no 'binary' choice between them and that they were, indeed, different ways of expressing the same proposition."1254 BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who is at the inquiry says: "It was on the issue of regime change that we learnt the most this morning. Up until today witnesses from Tony Blair's government have insisted that the Americans' stated objective of regime change was illegitimate and illegal. The British government's policy of disarmament was distinct, they insisted. However, this morning Tony Blair said that there was no 'binary' choice between them and that they were, indeed, different ways of expressing the same proposition."
1250 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: During this session Tony Blair had a second a third and a fourth line of defence for his actions in going to war. The first line of defence, of course, was that Saddam's active WMD programme had to be stopped. But then he argues that even though WMD weren't found the Iraq Survey group showed Saddam had the 'intent' to restart such a weapons programme; he then argues that in any case Saddam breached his obligations to the UN by not co-operating enough with the weapons inspectors, unlike the co-operation Gaddaffi gave on his weapons; and finally he argues what would have happened if action hadn't been taken - if the US and UK pulled back from the brink and looked weak what risk in 2010 would the world have faced from an emboldened - rather than ousted - Saddam? So not only no regrets from Tony Blair but he makes the case that it would have been unreasonable and risky - even irresponsible - in the end not to have tackled the Iraqi regime.1250 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: During this session Tony Blair had a second a third and a fourth line of defence for his actions in going to war. The first line of defence, of course, was that Saddam's active WMD programme had to be stopped. But then he argues that even though WMD weren't found the Iraq Survey group showed Saddam had the 'intent' to restart such a weapons programme; he then argues that in any case Saddam breached his obligations to the UN by not co-operating enough with the weapons inspectors, unlike the co-operation Gaddaffi gave on his weapons; and finally he argues what would have happened if action hadn't been taken - if the US and UK pulled back from the brink and looked weak what risk in 2010 would the world have faced from an emboldened - rather than ousted - Saddam? So not only no regrets from Tony Blair but he makes the case that it would have been unreasonable and risky - even irresponsible - in the end not to have tackled the Iraqi regime.
1247 Lance Price, Mr Blair's former media adviser, says the ex-PM appeared very well-briefed but anxious not to seem like a politician "on his soap box".1247 Lance Price, Mr Blair's former media adviser, says the ex-PM appeared very well-briefed but anxious not to seem like a politician "on his soap box".
1242 The inquiry breaks up for lunch, with Mr Blair's questioning set to continue from 1400 GMT. Chairman Sir John Chilcot thanks the audience - which includes relatives of some of the service personnel killed in Iraq - for their good behaviour. We hear that some of those in the overflow viewing room decided to pop out a minute or two before the session ended. Wanting to beat the queues at the coffee machine?1242 The inquiry breaks up for lunch, with Mr Blair's questioning set to continue from 1400 GMT. Chairman Sir John Chilcot thanks the audience - which includes relatives of some of the service personnel killed in Iraq - for their good behaviour. We hear that some of those in the overflow viewing room decided to pop out a minute or two before the session ended. Wanting to beat the queues at the coffee machine?
0930-1100: Blair at Iraq inquiry: Pt 1 1100-1400 Blair at Iraq inquiry: Pt 20930-1100: Blair at Iraq inquiry: Pt 1 1100-1400 Blair at Iraq inquiry: Pt 2