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Live updates: Fallout from Chilcot Inquiry

  • Tony Blair's reputation lies in tatters in the wake of the report into the Iraq War
  • Sir John Chilcot's inquiry said the six-year conflict was unnecessary and disastrous
  • The ex-prime minister was accused of exaggerating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein
  • A memo also revealed that Blair promised George W Bush: 'I will be with you, whatever'
  • An emotional Blair defended the war, saying he would make same decision again
  • Families of some of the 179 military personnel killed in described Blair as a "terrorist"
  • Jeremy Corbyn apologised on behalf of Labour, calling the war a "stain on our party"
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Tony Blair: Decision to invade was taken in good faith

Tony Blair, pictured last month. Credit: PA

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said his decision to invade Iraq was taken in "good faith" and "the best interests of the country."

He added that he will respond to details this afternoon, and will take "full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse".

The report should lay to rest allegations of bad faith, lies or deceit. Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country.

I note that the report finds clearly:

1) That there was no falsification or improper use of Intelligence (para 876 vol 4)

2) No deception of Cabinet (para 953 vol 5)

3) No secret commitment to war whether at Crawford Texas in April 2002 or elsewhere (para 572 onwards vol 1)

The inquiry does not make a finding on the legal basis for military action but finds that the Attorney General had concluded there was such a lawful basis by 13th March 2003 (para 933 vol 5).

However the report does make real and material criticisms of preparation, planning, process and of the relationship with the United States.

These are serious criticisms and they require serious answers.

– Tony Blair
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