There should be an Iraq war inquiry

It is hugely disappointing yet also sadly predictable that Labour MPs have blocked Conservative efforts to establish an inquiry into the war in Iraq.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said an inquiry could not take place whilst British troops remained on Iraqi soil. This is a ridiculous position to take given the ongoing uncertainty over how long they are likely to remain.

As William Hague said during the Commons debate, now is undoubtedly the right time to hold an inquiry – when memories are still fresh and all the relevant documentation is available.

Unlike the majority of my Party, I was against the war from the outset. But making political capital is not what an inquiry is or should be about.

It is about learning lessons so the same terrible mistakes cannot be repeated in the future.

175 British service personnel have lost their lives since the Iraq conflict began.

Their families deserve to know why and they deserve to know it now.