Liz calls for inquiry into Weapons of Mass Destruction claims

4.48.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Jul 2003

Liz is concerned at the failure to find evidence of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne is calling for a full public inquiry to investigate the Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction claims following weeks of speculation and controversy in both Westminster and the media.

Liz, who alongside Liberal Democrat colleagues opposed the war in Iraq and participated in anti-war demonstrations, commented:

"The Conservative Government held a public inquiry following the Falklands War – why so much resistance to one now? The recent Foreign Affairs Committee report included a number of specific criticisms of the Government, including the failure to provide some relevant documents. Fundamentally however, the committee was split down party lines, suggesting that the matter cannot be adequately resolved by politicians themselves."

Liz is launching a region-wide petition calling for a public inquiry, which she launched on her website today (www.lizlynne.org.uk).

"It is time for the Government to – at last – listen to the people, even if they ignore politicians from all parties on this matter. Only together can we send out a message to the Government that it must come clean."

You can sign the petition online by going to http://www.lizlynne.org.uk/petitions.php?petition=2