Blair statement: Key points

Blair statement: Key points

Key points from Tony Blair's Commons statement on Iraq.

It is clear that Saddam is in breach of UN resolution 1441, said the prime minister

People in Iraq are living in "utter misery"

Saddam's regime is "barbaric and murderous"

Without a clear, united message from the international community, Saddam will not disarm - Tony Blair

The prime minister rejected suggestion that new UN resolution is "pre-emptive".

It would be "irresponsible" to suggest problems in the chain of command if there is a war, said Mr Blair.

Mr Blair said the chain of command would be as in previous conflicts.

The prime minsiter said seeking peace in the Middle East is vital for the region.

Stories about substandard military equipment are denied by defence department, said Mr Blair.

Mr Blair said he is hopeful UN security council members will not use their veto.

Mr Blair: "Today the path to peace is clear. Saddam can cooperate fully with the inspectors. He can voluntarily disarm, he can even leave the country peacefully. But he cannot avoid disarmament."

There is still a chance for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Failing to resolve the issue will be a "dangerous moment" for the international community.

The authority of the UN is at stake in current crisis.

Mr Blair pledged to strive for peace in the Middle East.

Mr Blair urged MPs to remember "the innocent" who die every day in Iraq at present.

Saddam could leave Iraq peacefully, said Mr Blair.

There must be a "fundamental change of heart and mind" by Saddam.

Saddam only making concessions because of threat of force.

"This is a game with which he is immensely familiar"

"The issue is not time, the issue is will"

UN weapons inspectors are not in Iraq to "sniff out" weapons

Response of France, Germany and Russia misrepresents the role of the weapons inspectors.

Credibility of the UN is at stake, said Mr Blair

Leaving Saddam in place "will not mean peace"

"I do not want war", said the prime minister.

We will go the extra step to give Saddam the chance to avoid war, said Mr Blair.

"I detest his regime - but even now he could save it by complying with the UN's demands"

"We are now 12 years after Saddam was first told by the UN to disarm"

Resolutions set out by the international community are "reasonable"

Anything less than 100% compliance "will not do", said Mr Blair.

"Now is the time to decide whether to co-operate," Mr Blair told Saddam.

New UN resolution will be delayed to give Saddam "one further final chance to disarm voluntarily"

Mr Blair said Saddam gave a misleading declaration about weapons programmes in December

Saddam has consistently misled international community and defied UN resolutions, said Mr Blair.

Prime Minister said true extent of Saddam Hussein's weapons programme was clear in 1991.