Iraq comes back to haunt Westminster

William Hague and No 10 distance themselves from Clegg.

By James Macintyre Published 21 July 2010 18:38

A perfect demonstration of the fragile nature of the Conservative-Liberal coalition has come this afternoon, as William Hague distanced himself from Nick Clegg's comments about the "illegal invasion of Iraq" at Prime Minister's Questions.

As I blogged earlier, it was notable that Clegg was at the time flanked by William Hague and George Osborne, two true-believing Iraq hawks, if not neoconservatives.

Now, Hague has said he has a "different history" of the matter. Worse still, No 10 has stated that Clegg was not speaking on behalf of the government. Wasn't he? This one will run and run.

Tags: Iraq

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6 comments

Wed, 2010-07-21 23:28 — Nicolas J S Davies (not verified)

Until we get full disclosure and accountability for serious violations of the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the entire framework of international human rights law, no British or American government will be able to resolve its "different histories". My book "Blood On Our Hands: the American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq" provides more details on the criminal nature of US and British policy.

Wed, 2010-07-21 18:43 — Graeme (not verified)

So Clegg only speaks for himself at PMQs. What a plonker.

Thu, 2010-07-22 00:51 — swatantra nandanwar

Clegg is not a House of Commons Man. He should stick to the calmer atmosphere of TV Studios. Trouble is Cameron can't sack him, only the Lib Dems can, so we have 5 more years to look forward to DPM QT.
Lib Dems are known for making up policy on the hoof. Their Graaduate Tax is a non starter.

Thu, 2010-07-22 02:04 — biosphere_oli (not verified)

Fantastic that the obvious truth can be heard loudly in the house of commons. Hilarious yet hideous that we have to begin hiding it again. We are weary of and battered by this heartbreaking frenzy of deceit.

Thu, 2010-07-22 09:49 — writeoff (not verified)

With you Oli. The truth slipped out for one brief moment. I'm sure it won't happen again.

Thu, 2010-07-22 10:06 — swatantra nandanwar

An admission that 'the Govt' acted illegally could have Internataional Lawyers rubbing their hands with glee. Billions and billions in compensation to be paid out to the 100 000 odd civilians killed in Iraq. Bill to be paid by the British taxpayer for decades to come.
Thank goodness its only Cleggs personal opinion and doesn't tie the Govt down.
The previous Govt took great steps to ensure that the invasion of Iraq and Regime change was perfectly legal. Phew! Thank goodness for that.