PM 'to face Iraq Inquiry before election'

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has seized on reports that Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to give evidence to the Chilcot Inquiry on his role in the Iraq invasion - before voters go to the polls later this year.

The announcement comes just one day after Mr Robertson challenged Gordon Brown to give evidence in public before the General Election at Prime Minister's Questions.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

"The net is closing in on Gordon Brown.

"Despite all his efforts to force the Iraq inquiry behind closed doors, the case for the man who bankrolled the illegal war in Iraq to give full evidence in public is overwhelming - and now even he has acknowledged that.

"Tony Blair led us into the worst foreign policy disaster in modern times and, as senior figures involved in the run up to the conflict have already told the Chilcot Inquiry, Gordon Brown was right beside him all the way.

"The truth of illegal invasion must be known before voters goes to the polls at the General Election. The people deserve the whole truth about a war fought in their name but the full facts cannot be known until Gordon Brown is held to account for his actions.

"There must be no delay in setting a date for this hearing."

Notes: A transcript of Mr Robertson's exchange with the Prime Minister -

Angus Robertson: Mr Speaker, the Chilcot Inquiry has heard that the Prime Minister was part of the inner circle which took the UK into the war in Iraq...Will he confirm to the House that there is no impediment for him to seek a time to give evidence to the Chilcot Inquiry before the General Election?

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, this is, as I have said, a matter for the Chilcot Inquiry. I have written to Sir John Chilcot and I have said that I am happy to give evidence at any time. This is a matter for the committee to decide but I will take whatever advice he gives me about when he wishes me to appear. I am happy to give evidence on all the issues he puts forward and happy and happy to satisfy the public of this country about our Government's commitment to the security of this country.