Iraq Debate - MP Makes a Convincing Case

The long awaited Iraq debate finally took place on Friday 21st January in the Hanger Farm Arts Centre. The debate was due to take place between Dr. Julian Lewis MP and two Liberal Democrat spokesmen, Cllrs Brian Dash and Lee Dunsdon. In the event Cllr, Dunsdon did not appear. though no explanation was given.

The Audience heard Brian Dash open the debate by giving a brief history of the region, and then went on to argue that war was not justified as no weapons of mass destruction (WMD) had been found. He further asserted that the war was illegal, as stated by Kofi Annan, of the UN.

Dr. Lewis, in his reply, reminded the audience that Saddam Hussein had clearly shown himself to be a serious threat, both to his own people as well as his neighbours. He went on to explain that it was only the immediate threat of force from the British and US troops that persuaded Saddam to allow the UN weapons inspectors back to carry out their work. Even though the inspectors had not found WMD, there was no guarantee that they did not exist. A failure to act would, undoubtedly have left Saddam in power to carry on torturing and murdering his people.

In answer to a question from the floor Cllr. Dash said he believed Saddam could have been removed without force. This suggestion was refuted by Dr. Lewis.

When Dr. Lewis was asked if he was simply following the party line, he replied "absolutely not". He reminded those present that a number of Conservative MPs had opposed the war, and that the Party Leader had told front bench spokesmen who resigned to oppose the war that it would not be held against them when future appointments were made.

From the tone of the questions, it was clear that most of the audience were already firmly on one side of the argument or the other, with very few "undecided". Nevertheless it was a very civilised debate. The chairman, Steven Brice, Dean of Student Affairs at Totton College, did an excellent job, which helped to make this debate a very interesting and informative occasion.