Iraq — Weapons of Mass Destruction Inquiry — 4 Jun 2003 at 16:31

The majority of MPs voted against an independent inquiry into the handling of intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. A replacement motion noted the Intelligence and Security Committee is the appropriate body to carry out any inquiry.

The majority of MPs voting voted against the motion:^[1]

• This House
• recalls the Prime Minister's assertion that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction capable of being used at 45 minutes' notice;
• further recalls the Government's contention that these weapons posed an imminent danger to the United Kingdom and its forces;
• notes that to date no such weapons have been found; and
• calls for an independent inquiry into the handling of the intelligence received, its assessment and the decisions made by ministers based upon it.

A new motion was proposed in its place:^[2]

• This House:
• believes that the Intelligence and Security Committee^[3] established by Parliament is the appropriate body to carry out any inquiry into intelligence relating to Iraq; and
• notes in relation to Iraq's disarmament obligations the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483^[4]

And this passed without a vote.

• [1] Menzies Campbell MP, House of Commons, 4 June 2003
• [2] Jack Straw MP, House of Commons, 4 June 2003
• [3] Intelligence and Security Committee, Special Reports
• [4] United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483, Wikipedia

Debate in Parliament | Historical Hansard | Source |