Tony Blair's Cabinet Minister Resigned Over His Handling of Post-War Iraq

Tony Blair's International Development Secretary, Ms Clare Short, simply had enough of Tony Blair's handling of post-war Iraq.

She resigned today (12th May 2003).

Former Foreign Office minister Baroness Amos has been appointed as Ms Short's successor.

Ms Short accused Tony Blair of breaking his word to her on the role of the UN to establish a legitimate Iraqi government.

In her resignation letter to Mr Blair, Ms Short said:

"As you know, I thought the run-up to the conflict in Iraq was mishandled, but I agreed to stay in the government to help support the reconstruction effort for the people of Iraq.

I am afraid that the assurances you gave me about the need for a UN mandate to establish a legitimate Iraqi government have been breached.

The security council resolution that you and Jack [Straw, the foreign secretary] have so secretly negotiated contradicts the assurance I have given in the House of Commons and elsewhere about the legal authority of the occupying powers, and the need for a UN-led process to establish a legitimate Iraqi government.

This makes my position impossible.

I am sad and sorry that it has ended like this. "

In her first post-resignation interview to the BBC, Ms Short called the government's position on the UN's role "indefensible."

She said:

"The UN has adopted a position which is wrong and dishonourable, and the government's position is indefensible and I cannot stay in the government.

I love my department - it's the biggest issue facing the world today. But I cannot stay in a government that does dishonourable things in an area which is my responsibility."

In an interview with Radio 4's the World at One programme, Ms Short said the latest draft UN resolution on Iraq as "shameful" and "indefensible".

The US and UK were "occupying powers in occupied territory" who had no authority to bring in a legitimate Iraqi government without the UN, she added. "I don't believe in the legality and wisdom of the action the UK is taking in the security council. These are very serious mistake."

Before the start of the war, Ms Short had threatened to resign over Iraq, promising to quit "if there is not UN authority for military action". She had accused Tony Blair of being "extraordinarily reckless" over the issue.

The Guardian UK reports:

Opposition politicians described Ms Short's departure as a major blow for Mr Blair. "I think this demonstrates what we are seeing over the last few weeks, the government is split from top to bottom on the euro, foundation hospitals, and Iraq," said the Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith.

"Those splits are hurting the government's ability to be the government in the United Kingdom."

But the Liberal Democrat international affairs spokeswoman, Jenny Tonge, expressed her sadness at Ms Short's resignation. During a visit to Malawi, Dr Tonge said: "This is sad news for the developing world. Clare Short has been an extremely good international development secretary and has been brave enough to challenge her own party on a number of issues, including Iraq."Whoever replaces her will have a tough act to follow."

The text of Ms Short's resignation letter to the Tony Blair.

Monday May 12, 2003

Dear Tony,

I have decided that I must leave the government.

As you know, I thought the run-up to the conflict in Iraq was mishandled, but I agreed to stay in the government to help support the reconstruction effort for the people of Iraq.

I am afraid that the assurances you gave me about the need for a UN mandate to establish a legitimate Iraqi government have been breached. The security council resolution that you and Jack have so secretly negotiated contradicts the assurances I have given in the House of Commons and elsewhere about the legal authority of the occupying powers, and the need for a UN-led process to establish a legitimate Iraqi government. This makes my position impossible.

It has been a great honour for me to have led the establishment and development of the Department for International Development over the past six years. I am proud of what we have achieved and much else that the government has done.

I am sad and sorry that it has ended like this.

Yours,

Clare.

  Go to Latest Posting

---

Comments 0

---