Report of the Iraq Inquiry

Debate between Earl Howe and Lord Selkirk of Douglas

Wednesday 6th July 2016 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

The noble Lord, with his immense experience of the Middle East, draws attention to a particularly important message in Sir John’s report—the sheer complexity of the situation on the ground. That was not sufficiently appreciated by the Government of the day, although there were those who provided some good insights into what might happen post the conflict and the risks that were posed by intervening in what would undoubtedly prove to be a febrile situation. The noble Lord’s central point is well made.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

With regard to the principle asserted in the Statement that,

“taking the country to war should always be a last resort and should only be done if all credible alternatives have been exhausted”,

can the Minister confirm that that principle should be endorsed and followed?

[Earl Howe]

Yes, undoubtedly so. It is perhaps one of Sir John’s most serious criticisms in the report that going to war in this instance was not the last resort and that there were diplomatic avenues still open at the time that the order was given to commence military action. I am sure that all noble Lords would agree that that should never happen again.