Lib Dems in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton call on Nick Gibb to apologise for Iraq vote

3.15.21pm GMT Thu 20th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrats in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have called on Nick Gibb to apologise for his support for the invasion of Iraq.

Speaking at a meeting of members, Simon McDougall, leader of Arun's Liberal Democrats said, "Five years ago, the Labour Government led Britain into the war in Iraq. The Conservatives were the cheerleaders for military action. And MPs from both parties attacked the Liberal Democrats for our opposition to the invasion.

"It is now clear that the war in Iraq and the occupation of the country were the worst decisions taken by Britain in foreign policy in living memory. And Nick Gibb backed this decision. He voted for the war in 2003.

"Five years on from the start of the invasion, 175 British troops have lost their lives, £7 billion of our money has been lost on this appalling venture and, according to some estimates, 600,000 Iraqis have lost their lives as a result.

"Nick Gibb should apologise to the people of Bognor and Littlehampton for his part in authorising this disastrous military venture.

"Without the support of Nick Gibb and his Conservative colleagues the Labour Government would have lost the vote in Parliament and the UK would not have joined in this ill-judged war.

"This was a war that we were told was meant to make the world safer. We were told it was to get rid of weapons of mass destruction, weapons which turned out not to exist. We were told this was a war to end terrorism, but the threat from terrorism has gone up, not down.

"The remaining British troops in Iraq are not serving a useful purpose. The Government are asking our brave men and women to put their lives at risk for no gain for either our country or the world at large. Despite assurances by Gordon Brown that our troops will be coming home, they are still in Iraq.

"I am calling on Nick Gibb to join the Liberal Democrats in urging the Government to set a timetable for the full withdrawal of the remaining UK troops from Iraq."