Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Robert Marshall-Andrews (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: An unsolicited testimonial. The tragedies in Iraq and the recent book by Professor Sands again raise issues about the legitimacy and legality of the war. Will the Prime Minister therefore take this opportunity to cast definitive light on one matter that remains obscure? Before the war, was the Cabinet made aware of the existence—not the content—of the Attorney-General's original written opinion, dated 7 March?

Answer: As I have said on many occasions, the Attorney-General was present at Cabinet in order to discuss his opinion. He was there, and he was able to answer any questions raised. May I make one point to my hon. and learned Friend? I understand entirely why he was against the original Iraqi conflict, but British troops have been in Iraq for the past two and a half years, with a United Nations mandate and the full support of the Iraqi Government, who are themselves, for the first time, the product of direct election by the Iraqi people. I believe that it is right, legally and politically, for us to stay there and see the job through, because that is in the interests of the Iraqi people and the British people.

Secondary information