Iraq war critics in Blair's party vent their anger

[Khephra]

Iraq war critics in Blair's party vent their anger

02.10.2003
11.45am

BOURNEMOUTH, England - Anti-war rebels in Britain's ruling Labour Party said on Wednesday Prime Minister Tony Blair had lied to justify invading Iraq and accused him of creating a "wasteland" in the name of peace.

Angered at being deprived of a chance to vote on the Iraq war at their annual conference, activists queued up to criticise the military action which Blair has defiantly defended.

"We were told there were weapons of mass destruction that could be deployed at 45 minutes' notice," parliamentarian Alice Mahon said. "We were lied to. There is no delicate way of putting it."

"We can't have a vote on it today and that is a disgrace."

Blair's popularity has plunged since the conflict which he has conceded split the world and angered many in his party. But he said he would take the same decision again.

"I know this thing is tremendously divisive, because a lot of people feel the war in Iraq was just simply and plainly wrong, and I don't think I'll ever persuade people about that," he told BBC radio on Wednesday.

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