Advertisement

UK’s Blair finally faces reckoning from Iraq war inquiry, seven years and 2.6 million words in the making

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Former British prime minister Tony Blair could face the archaic procedure of impeachment over his role in the Iraq War. Photo: EPA

Seven years after it began, the official inquiry into Britain’s role in the Iraq war will finally issue its report on Wednesday, with former prime minister Tony Blair expected to face severe criticism.

Advertisement

The Chilcot inquiry was launched in 2009 as British troops withdrew from Iraq, tasked with investigating the run-up to the 2003 US-led invasion and the subsequent occupation.

Tens of thousands of Iraqis died during the conflict and the brutal sectarian war that followed, while 179 British soldiers also lost their lives - many of whose relatives are still searching for answers.

The invasion was controversial at the time as it did not have explicit approval from the UN Security Council, while claims that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction proved unfounded.
This file photo taken on July 30, 2009, shows John Chilcot, the Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, outlining the terms of reference for the inquiry at a news conference in London. Photo: AFP
This file photo taken on July 30, 2009, shows John Chilcot, the Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, outlining the terms of reference for the inquiry at a news conference in London. Photo: AFP

Although he stepped down in 2007, Blair remains reviled by much of Britain for the conflict, which is viewed as at best misguided, and as worst a war crime.

Advertisement

A 2004 official report into the intelligence case found he exaggerated the evidence when he presented it to MPs, although author Robin Butler said Monday that Blair “really believed” what he was doing was right.

The Chilcot inquiry was not asked to rule on the legality of the invasion, but leaks suggest Blair will be heavily criticised over the decision-making process.

loading
Advertisement