BLAIR SHOULD BE RECALLED AFTER DANNATT EVIDENCE TO IRAQ INQUIRY

BLAIR SHOULD BE RECALLED AFTER DANNATT EVIDENCE TO IRAQ INQUIRY

Commenting on evidence from the former head of the Army to the Iraq
Inquiry today (Wednesday) SNP Westminster leader and Defence
spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said the testimony underlined the
impact the Iraq quagmire had on operations in Afghanistan.

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt told the inquiry that the Army had come close
to "seizing up" over Iraq and that the decision by Tony Blair to
increase British troops to Afghanistan at the same time as the force
in Iraq was facing a growing insurgency represented a "perfect storm"
for the Army.

Mr Robertson said:

“General Dannatt’s testimony underlines the real effect of the Iraq
quagmire on operations in Afghanistan. We are living with the
consequences of that decision even now, and Tony Blair must answer for
his decisions.

“The evidence is mounting against Tony Blair, and it would seem
incredible if the former prime minister was not now recalled to
explain his decisions.

“Tony Blair’s last appearance raised more questions than it answered
and I would hope, with considerations of the general election now
passed, that he will be totally straight with people on what was going
on in Downing Street -  this is a time for total candour on the worse
foreign policy decision in recent history.”