Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK Military Action in Iraq: Declassified Documents

13 December 2023 · 5 other contributors · 8,556 words

Opened by Neale Hanvey Alba Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

Responding minister: Robert Courts

DefenceForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Neale Hanvey raised concerns about uk military action in iraq: declassified documents in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The UK government ignored legal advice warning against military action in Iraq without UN Security Council resolution in 1998.
  • Declassified documents reveal the human cost of the war, including the loss of 179 British service personnel and an estimated 655,000 Iraqi lives.
  • The lead MP requests the declassification and public release of all remaining files from this period and seeks an explanation for the delay.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to declassify all remaining files relating to this period and publish them publicly. He also demands an explanation for why these documents have not yet been released and when they can be expected to see publication.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Neale Hanvey Alba Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

The declassified documents from 1998 reveal that the UK government, led by Tony Blair, ignored legal advice warning against military action without UN Security Council resolution. The documents highlight concerns over legality and the human cost of war, including the loss of 179 British service personnel and an estimated 655,000 Iraqi lives according to research studies. Additionally, 1.8 million Iraqis were displaced in neighbouring countries while another 1.6 million were internally displaced by March 2023.

Other contributors (5)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr. Shannon expressed gratitude for the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath's contribution, acknowledging the sacrifice of those who gave their lives during military action in Iraq. He discussed the publication by Declassified UK of declassified documents suggesting that Tony Blair was informed that military action without UN authorisation was unlawful but proceeded with Operation Desert Fox anyway. Mr. Shannon noted his own military service and expressed concern over the difference between lived experience and documented facts, stating that opinions on Blair's actions should not undermine the dignity and integrity of armed forces personnel.

  • Karl Turner Lab Kingston upon Hull East

    Commends the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath on securing the debate, recognising the concerns about the decision to carry out airstrikes against Iraq in 1998 without UN authorisation paving the way for the 2003 decision. Suggests that debates in 1998 and 1999 share a throughline regarding legality and necessity of acting without UN resolution, emphasizing the debate about waiting for UN action versus intervening to prevent civilian casualties.

  • Kenny MacAskill SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Mr MacAskill paid tribute to the examination of his party leader and Declassified UK, highlighting the moral objection to the Iraq war. He mentioned that millions have died due to the conflict and a refugee crisis was initiated. Mr MacAskill also noted the lack of accountability for those responsible for misleading the public about weapons of mass destruction. He highlighted the privatisation of war post-Iraq, referencing Blackwater as an example.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    The Chair informs the House that he intends to call the Opposition spokesperson no later than 5:40 pm, urging Members to consider this time frame when making interventions.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Mr Foord paid tribute to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, noting that debates on historical events are uncommon but valuable. He highlighted legal advice received by Prime Minister in 1998 regarding Operation Desert Fox, citing Sir Michael Pakenham's view that military action would be 'acting against UN principles' and 'in the long term wholly contrary to our interests.' Mr Foord also mentioned Robin Cook's suggestion of seeking a new Security Council resolution for legal support. He discussed Chief of the Defence Staff's advice on the need for legal backing before initiating military actions, reflecting on the significance of jus ad bellum in modern warfare. Finally, he raised concerns about the authority vested in the Prime Minister and called for greater legislative scrutiny over decisions to commit armed forces to war.

Government Response

Robert Courts

It is a great honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. The minister extended commiserations to those affected by the military action in Iraq and acknowledged that this is a sensitive topic involving tragic historic matters. He discussed the declassification of documents related to UK military actions in Iraq in 1998, confirming that some documents have been declassified and are available for public review through the National Archives. The minister explained that while he cannot provide specific answers about certain documents without further investigation, he invited the hon. Member to write to him for clarification. He provided an overview of the Public Records Act framework, detailing the exemptions and considerations for disclosing government records, including national security, defence, international relations, criminal investigations, parliamentary privilege, health and safety, environmental information, and economic matters. The minister also discussed the Law Officers' convention that generally precludes disclosure of legal advice to ensure a private client-lawyer relationship. He mentioned changes post-Chilcot inquiry, highlighting measures such as the National Security Council's role in decision-making processes and mandatory consultation with Law Officers before committing troops. Finally, he touched on amendments related to the Cabinet manual regarding parliamentary debate opportunities prior to troop commitment.

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