Michael Wood says use of force against Iraq had no legal basis in international law.
LONDON – The 2003 Iraq war was illegal, the former chief legal advisor to Britain’s Foreign Office told a public inquiry into the war Tuesday, three days before ex prime minister Tony Blair appears.
“I considered that the use of force against Iraq in March 2003 was contrary to international law,” Michael Wood told the Chilcot inquiry in London.
“In my opinion, that use of force had not been authorised by the Security Council, and had no other legal basis in international law.”
Wood’s comments came as the probe’s focus shifted to the legality of the war.
Elizabeth Wilmshurst, his deputy who resigned in protest at the conflict, gives evidence later Tuesday, while the government’s senior legal advisor at the time, Peter Goldsmith, is due to appear Wednesday.
Goldsmith will likely face questions over whether he U-turned on the war’s legality. Two weeks before the invasion, he said it would be preferable to obtain a second UN Security Council resolution backing military action.
But this was not forthcoming and ten days later, Goldsmith said military action would be legal.
Blair himself is expected before the inquiry Friday, when anti-war protestors are set to stage demonstrations outside the probe venue.
Tags: Chilcot inquiry, Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Iraq war, Michael Wood, Tony Blair
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