Michael Howard takes Blair to task on Iraq

Michael Howard has thrown down the gauntlet to Tony Blair as the Prime Minister prepares for his Iraq crisis summit with President George Bush in Washington. The Conservative Leader fired off a letter to Downing Street calling on the Premier to appoint a high profile diplomat to head up the British mission in Baghdad, and to push for greater UN involvement in the crisis-wracked Middle East state.

With long-term peace and stability at stake, Mr Howard contrasted the brilliant and dedicated work of the UK military in Iraq with the lack of British diplomatic and political punch in the country. "I am concerned that Britain's voice is not as strong as it should be, especially since Sir Jeremy Greenstock, one of our most experienced diplomats, stepped down as your Special Representative last month to be replaced by someone less senior," Mr Howard wrote.

He told Mr Blair: "Britain needs a strong voice in Iraq. We need a senior figure of authority, plugged into the decision-making process. I hope you will be able to persuade the President that this person should be designated as deputy to Paul Bremer and his successor."

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The Conservative Leader also urged Mr Blair to make a statement to MPs when Parliament returns to work after the Easter recess. "I have heard that it is your intention not to make a statement to the Commons when it returns on Monday. This is quite unacceptable. It is surely your duty to report personally to Parliament on the grave situation in Iraq and on your discussions with President Bush and Kofi Annan. A statement from the Foreign Secretary is not an adequate substitute. I hope you will reconsider this decision as a matter of urgency," Mr Howard made clear.


http://www.conservatives.com/news/article.cfm?obj_id=97478

:mad:

Since when did the KKKonservatives give a damn about law and order???