Sir, The House of Commons has not been given an opportunity by the Government to have a full debate on their policy in Iraq since 2003 before the war had begun.

The United States Congress, by comparison, had a major debate on Iraq as recently as June his year. As a result a special commission has been established under the former Secretary of State James Baker, with the support of the White House, to advise Congress and President Bush on future Iraq policy.

It is time for the British Government to take a similar initiative. It is a disgrace that parliamentary involvement in this continuing crisis has been restricted to the odd statement and question over the past three years.

This is not a party political matter. We are experiencing a worse foreign policy disaster than either Suez or Vietnam. If the Government has a clear timetable and strategy for Iraq it has failed to articulate it. Whether one supported or opposed the war is irrelevant. Parliament needs to hold the Government to account and to exert its influence.

The business of the House of Commons is controlled by the Leader of the House, Jack Straw. As a former Foreign Secretary he knows his duty.

SIR MALCOLM RIFKIND
House of Commons

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