BBC to host Iraq war debate

Viewers and listeners will be given the chance to air their views and learn more about the issues during ten days of programmes across BBC News Interactive, radio and television.

The special series will end with a 90-minute television debate in prime-time chaired by Presenter David Dimbleby.

Iraq Day: The Case For and Against War, on BBC One on 12 February will analyse the implications of a war in the Middle East.

Presenter Peter Snow will examine the facts and figures behind any decision to send the troops into Iraq and gauge the mood of the nation with a viewers poll.

The case for and against a war with Iraq will be debated across BBC news services with live streaming of sessions streamed live through BBC News Interactive.

Presenter Jeremy Paxman will question Tony Blair on the case for British involvement in military action in a Newsnight Special on BBC Two at 2100 GMT on 6 February.

Blair interview

The BBC's Director of News, Richard Sambrook, said: "We will tackle the politicians and in the best traditions of public service broadcasting, give the audiences the platform to air their views."

Also among the programmes will be two specials by BBC One's Panorama.

The first on 2 February will address viewers' concerns in an interactive special on the issue of 'Tackling Saddam'.

And the following Sunday the task of the United Nations' weapons inspectorate will be the focus of a report by BBC Panorama reporter Jane Corbin.