MP still opposes Iraq war (From Stroud News and Journal)

MP still opposes Iraq war

DAVID Drew MP has defended his stance on the Iraqi war and dismissed claims from critics that his views are inconsistent.

The MP has attended several meetings organised by the Stroud Peace Movement where he has openly spoken of his opposition to the war.

But in a recent interview which appeared in another local newspaper Mr Drew appeared to be toeing the party line and supporting Tony Blair.

He is reported to have said he is convinced the Prime Minister was right about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.

Now his remarks have infuriated many peace campaigners who believe he has betrayed them.

"It's probably only him, Blair and Jack Straw who believe there were weapons of mass destruction there at that time," said Stroud's mayor, Cllr John Marjoram.

"I'm not saying they didn't have them in the past but I don't think they had the capability to threaten their neighbours."

But Mr Drew has defended his corner. He said that while he has no doubt the weapons did exist he still didn't believe that justified the invasion.

"I didn't agree with going to war and I haven't changed my mind about that," he said.

"I have my arguments with Blair about why he went to war but I think it is wrong to say he mislead people.

"I've always been convinced Saddam had these weapons but the issue to me was never about weapons of mass destruction.

"The real issue is how we deal with states with an appalling human rights record and how they affect the states around them.

"We certainly shouldn't have gone in there without the backing of the international community and not having that kind of support is going to make the rebuilding of Iraq very difficult."

Mr Drew said unpleasant regimes should not be ignored but would be better tackled with sanctions.