The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

316. Mr Blair argued that the second resolution:

“… was not code for delay or hesitation. It was a clear statement that Saddam

was not co-operating and that the international community was determined to do

whatever it took to disarm him. We needed to put the debate in a wider context.

The international community had to confront the challenges of WMD and terrorism

now, whether in Iraq or North Korea, otherwise the risks would only increase.”

317. In early February, Mr Blair made public statements implying that the UK

could take part in military action if a second resolution was vetoed.

318. In the House of Commons on 5 February, Mr Chris Mullin (Labour) told Mr Blair

that he:

“… could not support an attack on Iraq unless it was specifically endorsed by

a second resolution of the United Nations Security Council.”119

319. Mr Blair responded:

“I have set out my position … on many occasions. Surely, the position has to be

this: if there is a breach of the original United Nations resolution 1441, a second

resolution should issue.

“That was the anticipated outcome. What resolution 1441 says is that the inspectors

go into Iraq, and if they notify the facts that amount to a material breach, a second

resolution should issue. That is why I believe that if the inspectors continue to say,

as they are now, that Iraq is not co-operating, there will be a second resolution.

The only circumstances in which I have left room for us to manoeuvre are those in

which it is clear that the inspectors are finding that Iraq is not co-operating, so it is

clear that Iraq is in material breach, but for some reason someone puts down what

I would describe as an unreasonable and capricious use of the veto.

“I do not believe that that will happen and I hope that it will not, but I do not think

that it is right to restrict our freedom of manoeuvre in those circumstances because

otherwise, the original spirit and letter of resolution 1441 would itself be breached.

I believe and hope that we will resolve this issue through the United Nations.”120

320. Mr Blair gave an extended interview about Iraq and public services on BBC TV’s