John Chilcot

“ In Mr Blair’s view, the decision to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the US was an essential demonstration of solidarity with the UK’s principal ally as well as being in the UK’s long‐term national interests. ”

“ The decision to use force – a very serious decision for any government to take – provoked profound controversy in relation to Iraq and became even more controversial when it was subsequently found that Iraq’s programmes to develop and produce chemical, biological and nuclear weapons had been dismantled. It continues to shape debates on national security policy and the circumstances in which to intervene. ”

“ Led by Mr Blair, the UK Government chose to support military action.
23. Mr Blair asked Parliament to endorse a decision to invade and occupy a sovereign nation, without the support of a Security Council resolution explicitly authorising the use of force. ”