SNP CALL FOR BLAIR TO BE RECALLED OVER IRAQ EVIDENCE

 

SNP CALL FOR BLAIR TO BE RECALLED OVER IRAQ EVIDENCE

 

The SNP has called for Tony Blair to be recalled before the Iraq war inquiry to face questions over whether he pressurised his Attorney General to change his advice and declare the invasion to be legal.

 

It is understood that Sir John Chilcot has set aside time in the autumn to recall witnesses, which could be used to cross examine the former prime minister over previously classified memos released this week which suggest that the former Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, faced political pressure to reverse his opinion on the war's lawfulness.

 

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said:

 

“It would seem incredible if Tony Blair was not now recalled in light of the latest evidence which suggest the former Attorney General faced political pressure to reverse his opinion on the war's lawfulness.

 

“We need to know why the former Attorney General changed his mind on the justification for the invasion, when his previous legal advice, and private letters to Tony Blair said that war without a security council resolution would be illegal. What led to this u-turn without any new evidence to justify it.

 

“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.”