Tories in new Iraq inquiry call

This week marks the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion

The Tories will call a Commons debate demanding a full inquiry into the Iraq war, William Hague has said.

The shadow foreign secretary told the BBC it would become "progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry" unless it was held soon.

The Tories will use an Opposition Day debate next Tuesday to call for a full privy council probe into the war.

The Independent reported that Gordon Brown had agreed in a letter to holding an inquiry "when it is appropriate".

A previous Tory call for a full inquiry was defeated in the Commons last June by 288 votes to 253 last June, but the government's majority was nearly halved to 35.

'Memories fade'

The government argued that an investigation should not be held while UK troops were still in action in Iraq, saying it would be a diversion.

But Mr Hague told the BBC on Monday it was important to look into the origins and conduct of the war immediately.

It will get from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry William Hague

"Five years on, unless we commence this inquiry pretty soon, then memories of what happened will have faded," he said.

"Memories of five or six years ago, in the run-up to the war, the documents will have started to disappear, emails will have been erased, and so on.

"It will get, from now on, progressively harder to conduct a meaningful inquiry.''

'When appropriate'

Mr Hague said that, as British troops were "reduced to an over watch role" and were due to swap that for a "mentoring and training role" later this year, the government's argument for not holding an inquiry was "collapsing".

Earlier the Independent reported that Mr Brown had sent a letter to the Fabian Society on the issue.

He wrote: "There will come a time when it is appropriate to hold an inquiry."

Perhaps next week's debate will also give David Cameron and his colleagues the chance to explain why they voted for this catastrophic war in the first place Edward Davey Lib Dems

But he added: "Whilst the whole effort of the government and the armed forces is directed towards supporting the people and government of Iraq as they forge a future based on reconciliation, democracy, prosperity and security, we believe that is not now."

The Liberal Democrats have also called for an inquiry to be held, while the relevant ministers remain in office.

On Monday, Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Edward Davey added: "It is good to see that the Tories are following our lead in calling for an inquiry.

"Perhaps next week's debate will also give David Cameron and his colleagues the chance to explain why they voted for this catastrophic war in the first place."

In November 2006, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru tabled a motion for an immediate inquiry, but this was rejected by MPs.

Butler report

There has already been the Butler report into intelligence failings and the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly.

In July 2003, the foreign affairs select committee also published a report into Iraq weapons claims.

But critics say those inquiries were too narrowly focused and without sufficient independence and power to ensure the lessons of the decision to go to war - and its aftermath - can be clearly learned.

Asked about Mr Brown's letter to the Fabian Society later, his spokesman said there was "nothing new" in it as it just re-stated the position already taken by Tony Blair when he was prime minister.