Downing Street Says

Asked if the Prime Minister’s apology on Friday had referred to the war on Iraq, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister had not apologised for the war because he believed it had been the right thing to do. It was surely a good thing that the Iraqi people had been given the opportunity to determine their own future. The President of Iraq had described to the G8 leaders last week what life had really been like under Saddam. It was true that there were still some difficulties post-war, as illustrated by the murder today of two Britons in Iraq. We extended our deepest sympathy to their families. However, Iraq today was far better because the Iraqi people were able to determine their own future and no longer had to live under the real terror of a tyrannical regime.

Questioned as to whether the Prime Minister would reject the advice given to him by his backbenchers yesterday to issue a ‘mea culpa’, the PMOS said that as a Civil Servant he was unable to comment on party political matters. However, as the Prime Minister had told the House, in the same way he accepted that he had a responsibility to justify the actions of the Coalition in Iraq and explain our policy there, so too the critics of the war had to explain whether they would prefer to see Saddam still in power.

3 Comments »

"However, Iraq today was far better because the Iraqi people were able to determine their own future and no longer had to live under the real terror of a tyrannical regime"…

Really? I’d like to hear Iraqi people express this thought, but so far I don’t seem to recall any Iraqis saying "thanks guys, we’re so glad you got rid of Saddam, now we’re really motoring…"

Typical soundbite politics; if Tony says it enough times then it becomes reality. Oh, if only, if only…
Comment by PapaLazzzaru — 14 Jun 2004 on 6:06 pm | Link
How’s about starting by explaining how the Iraqi people went without drinkable water, power, and the basic amenities for so long. How sorry you are, we all are, that more couldn’t have been done to protect not only the basic installations that allow a modern society to exist, but everything from hospital looting to the loss of vital documentation of the actions of the Saddam regime.

To pretend, for one instant, that we haven’t got a million things that are worth apologising for is beyond reproach; even if you do agree with the war, any fool will admit that we’ve cocked up.

Any fool, that is, but you – and if you can’t learn to change your tune, the voters will change it for you, one way or another.
Comment by Gregory Block — 14 Jun 2004 on 10:01 pm | Link
(obviously, Papa, that wasn’t to you. 🙂
Comment by Gregory Block — 14 Jun 2004 on 10:01 pm | Link

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» Monday, June 14, 2004

Iraq

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