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Families' anger as Tony Blair 'sneaks' into Iraq inquiry by backdoor
Benedict Moore-Bridger29 Jan 2010
Families of British servicemen killed in Iraq reacted furiously today when Tony Blair sneaked into the Chilcot inquiry via the backdoor.
They accused him of deceit after entering the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster at around 7.30am, out of sight of 200 protesters held behind a police cordon.
There was also anger when Mr Blair appeared set to snub a request to meet the families in private at the end of today's six-hour hearing. They are seeking “closure” but a written request passed to Mr Blair via Sir John Chilcot failed to merit even an acknowledgement. Mr Blair's office was not responding to calls.
Theresa Evans, whose son Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Evans, 24, was one of the first soldiers to be killed in Iraq, said she was disgusted by Mr Blair's “lies” during the morning session — in particular his pledge to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the US.
Speaking outside, Mrs Evans said: “The way he is smiling all the time, smirking — it is like he is running the show. He does not seem to answer directly, just going round and around.”
She added: “My son was killed in an American helicopter. Hearing him [Mr Blair] it is true: he is a puppet and has no feelings. He was not fit to run this country and I feel sick that I voted for him in the first place.” Deirdre Gover, 63, mother of Flight Lieutenant Kristian Gover, said: “I hold him personally responsible for my son's death. The anger and sorrow has gone. We will never get justice.”
Reg Keys, whose military policeman son Tom, 20, was killed in June 2003 when he was trapped inside a police station that was stormed by a mob of up to 400, said: “It is typical. Here, in front of the families he arrives in the back of a car with his head down. We want him to explain his actions. I want to see Tony Blair face a war crimes tribunal in The Hague.”
Kate Hudson, chairwoman of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said: “The way he arrived today was sneaky. He just does not want to face up to his crimes — it is an outrage.”
Around 40 families were inside the conference centre to hear the former prime minister explain how his view of the threat from Saddam Hussein changed dramatically after the September 11 attacks on America.
Outside, protesters turned their back on the centre when Mr Blair gave evidence, and listened as names of civilians and military personnel killed in the conflict were read out. Earlier they shouted slogans including “Jail Tony” and “Blair lied — thousands died”.
Reader views (4)
The reason Rogan is :
Because if he had any principles he would stand by what he says he believed in.
Only cowards hide.
- John Smith, London. UK, 01/02/2010 09:44
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It should be noted, that there were several hundred (peaceful and well behaved) protesters outside the enquiry today (not just 200 as stated), spread all around the building.
There would have been many more, but for the fact that an official request for a peaceful demonstration directly outside the building was rejected, leading many people to fear arrest if they turned up! (You have to apply for a permit to protest in Whitehall and some other parts of the UK now - so much for freedom of speech!)
- Steve Brown, London, UK, 29/01/2010 21:13
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Sorry after a six-hour hearing, I don’t think meeting the families would be a wise move. Considering all we hear from them is their hatred for Tony Blair…its publicity seeking
- Jack, London, 29/01/2010 17:15
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Whether in the right or wrong, it's a bit stupid to criticize the man for not wanting to run the gauntlet of mob mentality reception before he even gets in front of the inquiry.
"Kate Hudson, chairwoman of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said: “The way he arrived today was sneaky. He just does not want to face up to his crimes — it is an outrage.”"
Comments like that are an outrage against intelligent thought. Why on earth would he want to subject himself to anger and vilification by people who cannot accept that their professional military sons had died doing a job which included the risk of death? Nothing he can say or do, short of agreeing with everything they say no matter what, would be acceptable to the mob - so what would be the point of leaving himself open to such abuse?
...and I don't even like the man....
- Rogan, Irving, 29/01/2010 15:12
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