Bedford's Labour MP slammed after Iraq inquiry vote

11.07.40am GMT Fri 15th Jun 2007

Liberal Democrats in Bedford & Kempston have slammed Labour MP, Patrick Hall, for voting against a call in Parliament for an independent inquiry into the Iraq war and occupation.

MPs voted on Monday 11th June in the House of Commons on the call for an inquiry but Patrick Hall turned up to join his Labour colleagues to vote down the inquiry.

Michael Headley said, "I am very disappointed that Patrick Hall has opted to vote against an inquiry. I believe that the day we eventually learn the lessons of the Iraq War fiasco should not be delayed any further."

"Liberal Democrats have consistently argued for an inquiry since the invasion in 2003 when we opposed the decision to go to war. Sadly, at that time Patrick Hall also failed to vote against going to war, choosing to abstain on what was arguably one of the most important votes of our generation."

"Gordon Brown has called for a more open and accountable way of running government.

This will not wash with the British people when his own MPs are blocking attempts to have a full and independent inquiry into what has been the biggest disaster in foreign affairs for our country in half a century. Government needs to learn lessons from this disastrous venture."