Tony Blair Gives Evidence at Chilcot Inquiry

Tony Blair's appearance at the Chilcot Inquiry on Friday had been one of the most anticipated events of the proceedings so far. Arriving through a side entrance - and avoiding the hoards of protesters and journalists - the former Prime Minister was set for a gruelling six hour interrogation into his involvement in the Iraq War.

Sir John Chilcot, leading the Inquiry, began proceedings by asking three simple questions; why did we invade Iraq? Why Saddam? And why now, in March 2003?

Blair denied that he had made the decision to invade Iraq before a meeting with former US President George Bush in April 2002. He stated that the only commitment he had given was to "deal with Saddam" - he also emphasised that his commitment was a public one. He also stated that he genuinely believed that the world was safer without Saddam Hussein.

Throughout his questioning, Blair maintained that he had made the right decision in terms of going to war with Iraq. He stated that after 9/11, he believed that 'calculus of risk had changed', and that Hussein and his history of defiance over Weapons of Mass Destruction could no longer go unchallenged.

Blair's allegiance with Bush and the US was discussed, with the former PM confirming that he had always intended to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with the US. He had pledged to aid any decision of military action if there was no diplomatic alternative. His recent interview with Fern Britton was also a talking point; Blair denied any suggestion that he had endorsed regime change, instead explaining that it was impossible to describe the "nature of the threat in the same way if you knew then what you knew now"

He also confirmed that he genuinely believed that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction, as stated originally in the Iraq Dossier of September 2002, and that the invasion was lawful. He emphasised the enormity of the decision that lay with him, and described how he reflects upon that decision each day. He admitted responsibility, but not regret for removing Saddam Hussein. He described Hussein as a monster who threatened not only the region, but the world.

Blair appeared to stick fiercely to his decision to invade Iraq, one of the most prominent characteristics of the evidence he provided. It was notable that the panel did not appear to grill Blair on key issues such as why he went ahead with the decision to invade despite ambiguous and unsure advice from his main legal advisor, Lord Goldsmith.

During the proceedings, it was clear the Blair was explaining little more than had been expected, and afterwards it was clear that the day had centered more around Blair's defence of his actions that a harsh and gruelling questioning by the panel. He received some protest by hecklers, however, far fewer protesters turned out than had been predicted. Whilst there were those who called him a War Criminal, Blair remained adamant that he had acted correctly. And after 7 years of maintaining the same stance, it seems unlikely that he will alter it any time soon.

Constituency of Crewe and Nantwich

The constituency of Crewe and Nantwich, situated in Cheshire, is renowned for many great things. For example, in 2005 it was awarded the prestigious title of 'Chav Capital of the World' by chavtowns.co.uk, a notable achievement for many of its inhabitants. However, in more recent years, one of Crewe and Nantwich's older traditions was reformed. Although the constituency had elected Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody for the 25 years since its creation, following her death in 2008, a by-election provided a very different outcome.

Edward Timpson, a Conservative MP, won the by-election following Dunwoody's death. Tasmin Dunwoody, daughter of the late Gwyneth, ran for election, but was defeated by Timpson. Before this outcome, the seat had been seen as a 'safe bet' for Labour, and Timspson's victory was viewed as somewhat unprecedented.

It is unclear what the outcome of the 2010 General Election in the constituency. Whilst it is a possibility that the area's Labour roots will resurface in the form of votes, the shock victory of the Conservatives in 2008 may carry over into this new decade. The only thing it is safe to say is that, in Crewe and Nantwich, no party is completely safe.