BORDERS MP CALLS FOR IRAQ INQUIRY ON FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR

9.25.41am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Mar 2008

Borders MP Michael Moore has called for an independent inquiry into the war in Iraq to coincide with the recent fifth anniversary of the conflict.

Mr Moore, in his then role as deputy foreign affairs spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, spoke in many of the key debates in the build up to the war in Iraq. He voted against the invasion in 2003 and believes an inquiry into the war is long overdue. He said:

"It was clear at the time of the invasion that the government's decision and strategy were ill-judged. The war was meant to rid Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction and make the world a safer place. However, no weapons were ever found, and the threats from terrorism have worsened.

"Since the invasion began, 175 British troops have lost their lives, £7 billion of our money has been spent on the war and 600,000 Iraqis have lost their lives. And there is still no end in sight, as the government has yet to set out a timetable for full withdrawal of the remaining UK troops from Iraq."

He added:

"Serious questions have to be asked about the origins and conduct of the Iraq war and this can only be achieved with a full, independent inquiry. Lessons have to be learned from our experiences in Iraq to ensure that similar mistakes are not made again."

Mr Moore's comments come ahead of the Opposition Day debate today calling for a full independent inquiry into the war in Iraq.