Local Labour MP opposes Iraq Inquiry

2.21.09pm GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

The Labour MP for Edinburgh North & Leith's has voted in the House of Commons against an inquiry into the illegal war in Iraq.

The motion to hold an inquiry was backed by a cross party group of MPs but was defeated narrowly because of the Government's majority. Although a number of Labour MPs voted in favour of the motion, Edinburgh North & Leith's Labour MP voted loyally with Tony Blair.

Liberal Democrat Westminster candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang said, "I am disappointed that Edinburgh North & Leith's Labour MP has refused to back an inquiry. He said that he opposed the war but now opposes a probe into the disastrous decisions that took us into that illegal conflict. Most people in North Edinburgh will find that decision difficult to understand.

"The war Iraq stands out as one of the UK's biggest foreign policy disasters. It is now entirely right that an inquiry takes place into that war and its aftermath. Looking forward and as Ming Campbell has said, it is increasingly clear that the only feasible strategy for the United Kingdom is a phased withdrawal from Iraq. The Ministry of Defence should be making plans for such a withdrawal."