Chilcot Inquiry

It is clear from the evidence given by Tony Blair that he was prepared to go all the way to support President Bush. He knew that the United Nations (UN) needed to be onside, and he had to persuade Parliament.

There was still work to be done by inspectors appointed by the UN to convince the Security Council that it should support an invasion of Iraq.

It is now evident to everyone that the main argument presented to Parliament – the ability to deploy weapons of mass destruction in 40 minutes – had no basis in fact because such weapons were never found.

There is no doubt that we were misled by Tony Blair.

I am afraid the inquiry will be a whitewash.

I am not happy about the posture of the Iranians who should co-operate with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, but I think any action beyond sanctions should require the support of the UN.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.