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/8486631.stm

The article has changed 36 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
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 1027 Iraq was quickly becoming the key issue, after the Afghanistan war started in late 2001, Mr Blair says. By Justin Parkinson class="bodl" href="https://twitter.com/stevegreer">stevegreer tweets: Why is Blair talking as though no-one else was around during the Iraq war? Dude, we were watching you.
Maxi67 tweets: Is Blair saying that we went along with America as he didn't want them to feel lonely!
1036 The US and UK have an "alliance", not a "contract", Mr Blair says. He never regarded 9/11 as an attack on America, but an "attack on us", he adds.
1036 The position on Iraq in early 2002 was "open", not "covert", Mr Blair says.
1036 Mr Blair is asked to slow down, as he is speaking too quickly for the stenographer to cope.
1035 There was "no different commitment" made at Crawford, Mr Blair says. He was saying at the time that the UK was "with" the US in dealing with the threat posed by Saddam.
1035From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: A key argument from the former PM. Tony Blair attempts to square the circle between regime change and dealing with WMD - he says Bill Clinton in 1998, not just George Bush in 2002/3, was in favour of regime change in Iraq because of the issue of WMD. Britain wanted to deal with WMD, but knew that ultimately this might mean regime change. But the former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made it clear in his evidence that the justification for any war had to be WMD, not regime change. Tony Blair argues that there should not be a "binary distinction" between WMD and regime change.
I agree with Mike in Newcastle, this man is far too clever to be caught out by an Inquiry with no real power. They cannot even insist on seeing ALL documents pertaining to the inquiry, something they were promised.Paul, Spain
Mr Blair simply cannot give straight answers can he. Nor is he being pressed to give one. This inquiry is looking more and more like a sham.Irfan, London
1030 The only commitment at Crawford, in spring 2002, was to deal with Saddam, Mr Blair says. He and Mr Bush agreed on this, but the method of doing so was "open".
1030 Nothing was decided at one-to-one meetings with President Bush at his ranch at Crawford Texas, Mr Blair says. It was important to have "frank discussions". It was less about "specifics" but the "various different dimensions of the whole issue".
1029 Mr Blair says he and former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw agreed the UK would try to get a UN resolution. He adds that it was important to put together a coalition on Iraq. The UN route was important as he "didn't want America to feel it had no option but to do it alone".
1027 Iraq was quickly becoming the key issue, after the Afghanistan war started in late 2001, Mr Blair says.
1026 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair says he has something to learn from giving interviews in relation to what shouldn't have been a hugely probing encounter with Fern Britton on a Sunday morning show. He says he didn't use the words 'regime change' in that interview. He was asked on the programme if it would have been right to get rid of Saddam even if there hadn't been WMD and he said "you would have to use and deploy different arguments about the nature of the threat" - opponents of Tony Blair interpreted this as sign of his determination to get rid of Saddam come what may. But he tells the inquiry it has been misinterpreted and was not a change of view on his part.1026 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Tony Blair says he has something to learn from giving interviews in relation to what shouldn't have been a hugely probing encounter with Fern Britton on a Sunday morning show. He says he didn't use the words 'regime change' in that interview. He was asked on the programme if it would have been right to get rid of Saddam even if there hadn't been WMD and he said "you would have to use and deploy different arguments about the nature of the threat" - opponents of Tony Blair interpreted this as sign of his determination to get rid of Saddam come what may. But he tells the inquiry it has been misinterpreted and was not a change of view on his part.
Re:Luke, Northampton, Slippery attitude, give the guy a chance, we have all called for him to come back and discuss what happened. I wish people would get off his backSimon, NorthantsRe:Luke, Northampton, Slippery attitude, give the guy a chance, we have all called for him to come back and discuss what happened. I wish people would get off his backSimon, Northants
mattaous tweets: #theiraqinquiry looks just like a rehearsed TV show with the banners on the wall and the petitioned off audience. Joke!mattaous tweets: #theiraqinquiry looks just like a rehearsed TV show with the banners on the wall and the petitioned off audience. Joke!
DrAbrahamSuplex tweets: Tony Blair will disagree with all the evidence against him using faith & altered perspective to absolve him. Then go home.DrAbrahamSuplex tweets: Tony Blair will disagree with all the evidence against him using faith & altered perspective to absolve him. Then go home.
1023 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Sir Roderic suggested that in effect Tony Blair was "attracted" to changing the regime in Iraq as early as March 2002 - if the former PM agreed, opponents would say he then misled parliament which is why Tony Blair very quickly makes it clear the key issue was weapons of mass destruction. Ex-Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made clear last week in his evidence that taking action on disarmament was legitimate, taking action specifically to change the regime would not have been1023 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Sir Roderic suggested that in effect Tony Blair was "attracted" to changing the regime in Iraq as early as March 2002 - if the former PM agreed, opponents would say he then misled parliament which is why Tony Blair very quickly makes it clear the key issue was weapons of mass destruction. Ex-Foreign Secretary Jack Straw made clear last week in his evidence that taking action on disarmament was legitimate, taking action specifically to change the regime would not have been
1022 Mr Blair says that President Bill Clinton came out in favour of regime change in 1998. This was motivated by WMD concerns, he says. The UK was saying it wanted to deal with weapons of mass destruction, and that if this meant regime change "so be it", he adds.1022 Mr Blair says that President Bill Clinton came out in favour of regime change in 1998. This was motivated by WMD concerns, he says. The UK was saying it wanted to deal with weapons of mass destruction, and that if this meant regime change "so be it", he adds.
1021 The questioning now moves to panel member Baroness Prashar. She asks what Mr Blair's response was to the US's "shift in policy" on extremism. Mr Blair says the shift "really happened" after 9/11. The UK intended to respond by saying the problem now had to be dealt with, he adds.1021 The questioning now moves to panel member Baroness Prashar. She asks what Mr Blair's response was to the US's "shift in policy" on extremism. Mr Blair says the shift "really happened" after 9/11. The UK intended to respond by saying the problem now had to be dealt with, he adds.
1018 Chairman Sir John Chilcot says two new declassified documents will be published on the inquiry's website. Though he gives the impression he does not see them as significant.1018 Chairman Sir John Chilcot says two new declassified documents will be published on the inquiry's website. Though he gives the impression he does not see them as significant.
1017 A prime minister must take an assessment of risk, Mr Blair says. Pre-9/11 Saddam had been a "monster" but the UK had to "make best". Afterwards, that changed, he adds. Rogue states cannot be allowed to develop or proliferate WMDs, Mr Blair argues.1017 A prime minister must take an assessment of risk, Mr Blair says. Pre-9/11 Saddam had been a "monster" but the UK had to "make best". Afterwards, that changed, he adds. Rogue states cannot be allowed to develop or proliferate WMDs, Mr Blair argues.
jojowiththeflow tweets: Blair keeps wanting to elaborate his testimony with past speeches, documentation, books written etc., a bit too elaborate.jojowiththeflow tweets: Blair keeps wanting to elaborate his testimony with past speeches, documentation, books written etc., a bit too elaborate.
Bivek tweets: Has this just now become a stage 4 Blair to show he was right, where is the questioning, he's going on and on and on.Bivek tweets: Has this just now become a stage 4 Blair to show he was right, where is the questioning, he's going on and on and on.
1016 Mr Blair is asked about a recent BBC interview with presenter Fern Britton where he said it would have been right to remove Saddam without evidence of WMDs. He says it was an interview recorded before the Iraq inquiry's public proceedings began. He says it was "in no sense a change of position".1016 Mr Blair is asked about a recent BBC interview with presenter Fern Britton where he said it would have been right to remove Saddam without evidence of WMDs. He says it was an interview recorded before the Iraq inquiry's public proceedings began. He says it was "in no sense a change of position".
1015 Saddam's regime, which had used chemical weapons on some of its own people, was a "bigger threat" than many others, Mr Blair says.1015 Saddam's regime, which had used chemical weapons on some of its own people, was a "bigger threat" than many others, Mr Blair says.
1015 The former PM says his Texas speech of 2002 saying Iraq would be dealt with calmly, but that leaving it to develop WMD was "not an option". The issue was "very, very simple", he adds. It was that Saddam did not "continue to defy the international community" on WMD (weapons of mass destruction).1015 The former PM says his Texas speech of 2002 saying Iraq would be dealt with calmly, but that leaving it to develop WMD was "not an option". The issue was "very, very simple", he adds. It was that Saddam did not "continue to defy the international community" on WMD (weapons of mass destruction).
1014 Mr Blair says his Chicago speech of 1999 was not to apply a "moral test" to foreign policy, but to say it was "in our national interest" to see that problems in other parts of the world could "hit us" in the UK.1014 Mr Blair says his Chicago speech of 1999 was not to apply a "moral test" to foreign policy, but to say it was "in our national interest" to see that problems in other parts of the world could "hit us" in the UK.
1013 Sir Roderic Lyne asks whether the removal of regimes had become a "valid objective" of UK policy by 1999. "No," Mr Blair replies. WMDs were the "key issue" in Iraq, he adds.1013 Sir Roderic Lyne asks whether the removal of regimes had become a "valid objective" of UK policy by 1999. "No," Mr Blair replies. WMDs were the "key issue" in Iraq, he adds.
1011 Most of the worry was about a "humanitarian" catastrophe involving Sunnis and Shias, should Saddam be removed, Mr Blair says. It was important to send an "unremitting" message after 9/11 to regimes engaged in producing WMDS - (weapons of mass destruction).1011 Most of the worry was about a "humanitarian" catastrophe involving Sunnis and Shias, should Saddam be removed, Mr Blair says. It was important to send an "unremitting" message after 9/11 to regimes engaged in producing WMDS - (weapons of mass destruction).
1010 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Sir Roderic has been pressing Tony Blair on who he consulted to discuss the options for dealing with Iraq in March 2002, before meeting President Bush. It would appear from his response there was not a full cabinet meeting specifically to discuss the options paper - Tony Blair names Jack Straw, and "the defence secretary" ie Geoff Hoon as key players. No mention of Gordon Brown at this stage. He did say Robin Cook challenged him but the late former leader of the House was not at a meeting at Chequers to discuss the options.1010 From BBC political correspondent Iain Watson: Sir Roderic has been pressing Tony Blair on who he consulted to discuss the options for dealing with Iraq in March 2002, before meeting President Bush. It would appear from his response there was not a full cabinet meeting specifically to discuss the options paper - Tony Blair names Jack Straw, and "the defence secretary" ie Geoff Hoon as key players. No mention of Gordon Brown at this stage. He did say Robin Cook challenged him but the late former leader of the House was not at a meeting at Chequers to discuss the options.
cjohnson103 tweets: Blair cannot possibly justify invading Iraq on what he's said so far.cjohnson103 tweets: Blair cannot possibly justify invading Iraq on what he's said so far.
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, LondonDoes 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, NewcastlePeople 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, LeedsCan 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.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".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.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.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".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".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.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.