Blair ignored “provisional” advice on Iraq war

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Former British prime minister Blair has told the official British inquiry into the Iraq war that he disregarded a warning that attacking Iraq could be illegal without United Nations backing because it was “provisional”. Blair has been recalled to the inquiry to explain apparent contradictions between his public position in the run-up to the 2003 invasion, and legal advice from his Attorney-General. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3
BBC video: Blair testifies

Britain’s inquiry into the Iraq war

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The UK government’s former top lawyer has said he initially believed a second UN resolution was necessary to justify invading Iraq in 2003, but changed his mind a month before the war. Critics of the war have long suspected that former Attorney General Peter Goldsmith was pressured to change his mind by then Prime Minister Tony Blair (pictured). Blair is expected to testify before the inquiry on Friday. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Timeline: Tony Blair on Iraqi WMD
• Tony Blair’s closest aide defends choices on Iraq