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Iraq
I voted against military action in Iraq and had to resign my government position as PPS to Patricia Hewitt in order to do so. The Lib Dems are claiming that I voted with the Government over Iraq, but in the crucial vote on 18 March 2003 which authorised the deployment of troops to Iraq, I voted against the Government.
It is unlikely that agreement over the legitimacy of war will ever be reached, and I do not want to see people's concerns about the war ignored. However, it is vital that whatever people feel about the legitimacy of war, we need to stand by the Iraqis and finish what has been started in terms of helping to rebuild and stabilise the country.
UK forces continue to operate in Iraq as part of the multinational force whose mandate is endorsed by UNSCR 1546. The mandate will be reviewed in June this year, and will terminate in December, unless extended by another Security Council resolution.
On 30 January elections were held in Iraq. UNSCR 1546 had laid down the timetable and process for the elections to follow, and the Iraqi people had the choice of 8,000 candidates for the new National Assembly from 111 different political parties and entities. International monitors reported that electoral procedures worked efficiently throughout Iraq, and that turnout was high in the north and south of the country, among both men and women.
I hope you agree that the first free elections in Iraq for half a century went far better than many anticipated, and that this demonstrates the determination of the Iraqi people to work towards a more stable and secure future for their country. The new Assembly will now begin work on drafting a permanent constitution. The UK will continue to work for a central role for the UN in supporting the political process in Iraq.
The war with Iraq has been a distressing experience for many of us, and I am aware of how people's loyalties are being tried. I am relieved that the elections were able to take place, though I recognise that this has come at considerable cost.
I strongly condemn attacks by American troops on Iraqi citizens and alleged human rights abuses; as I have emphasised many times before, I am looking forward to a time when foreign troops can leave Iraq.