Blair must face parliament over Iraq

12.13.56pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats at the London rally against the war in Iraq

Following the news that several hundred people have died in bomb attacks in Baghdad in the last week, and the death of another British serviceman at the weekend, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell has reiterated his call for the Prime Minister to speak in Wednesday's Parliamentary debate on Iraq.

In a letter to Tony Blair, Menzies Campbell said This is the first time that there has been a debate on Iraq in government time since 20 July 2004."

"Would it not be appropriate if you yourself were to open that debate on behalf of the government? It is almost four years since you did so on 17 March 2003 and much has changed since then. The most recent UN estimate is that 34,000 Iraqi citizens were killed in 2006 and 130 British servicemen and women have perished since March 2003."

"In these circumstances the British people are entitled to hear your analysis and strategy for withdrawal. I consider that on an issue of such gravity the public are entitled to hear the party leaders."

Sir Menzies Campbell's letter to Tony Blair:

Tony

You will be aware of the debate on Iraq to follow Prime Ministers Questions next Wednesday 24 January. This is the first time that there has been a debate on Iraq in government time since 20 July 2004.

I understand that the Foreign Secretary is to open the debate but I would like to suggest an alternative course of action. Would it not be appropriate if you yourself were to open that debate on behalf of the government? It is almost four years since you did so on 17 March 2003 and much has changed since then. The most recent UN estimate is that 34,000 Iraqi citizens were killed in 2006 and 130 British servicemen and women have perished since March 2003.

In these circumstances the British people are entitled to hear your analysis and strategy for withdrawal.

I should say that irrespective of your response I propose to speak on behalf of the Liberal Democrats. I consider that on an issue of such gravity the public are entitled to hear the party leaders.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Menzies Campbell