Iraq inquiry

But it is war that will have a clear influence on how the electorate actually votes.

The public’s anger with the Government over military operations is very evident. Its strategy in Afghanistan is as much about the purpose, as it is the loss of life. However, the Iraq Inquiry chaired by Sir John Chilcott is overshadowing everything that is current.

Indeed, both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not the result of decisions made by Gordon Brown, but he is “carrying the can”, the legacy and responsibility passed on by predecessor Tony Blair. It is also something that Labour has to take on board.

The Chilcott committee is not party political; its function is to try and determine the facts surrounding the Iraq invasion and who did what, when and why. However, I fear it will become part of a Conservative attempt to discredit the Government.

While the Government, and particularly Mr Blair, have some questions to answer, the election cannot focus on a single issue.

After all, the main opposition party gave total support to the Government on Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.

I AM pleased Gordon Brown has agreed to attend the Iraq Inquiry as soon as possible. The value of his attendance and the answers he gives will be a useful indicator of his attitude to using war and the invasion of other countries as a viable policy in pursuit of our security aims.

I would like one outcome of this inquiry to be that in future we are reluctant to automatically follow the lead of the US government of the day.

With President Barack Obama in command I think there will be a more considered approach, but a defect of the approach British governments have previously had has been to crave some special relationship with the US to the extent that the national interest of this country has taken less consideration than it ought to.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.