Iraq is a fundamental issue for Hampstead and Highgate

1.19.38am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Apr 2005

Ed Fordham has put Iraq at the heart of his local election campaign in Hampstead and Highgate.

Ed Fordham says:

"At this election, there is no question, that Labour's conduct in the run up to war in Iraq, and the deployment of British troops in support of President Bush's policy of regime change, is something that no Labour candidate can avoid.

"Tony Blair said if we disagreed with him over the Invasion of Iraq then we should hold him to account then we should not vote for him or Labour. well, this is our best and indeed only chance.

"Every single vote for Labour will be taken and used by Tony Blair as a personal endorsement.

"Britain's international reputation has been damaged by the way Tony Blair took us to war. It has undermined the United Nations. It has undermined international law. It has undermined Tony Blair's own standing as Prime Minister. It has undermined trust in government and politics generally.

"It is this Labour Government which took the decision to send our troops to Iraq, with the full support of the Conservative party. It is they who must be held accountable. Every Labour candidate should answer for the Government's rush to war.

"At this general election they will judge him on the false rationales that were presented as justification. They will judge him on the lack of planning for the aftermath of the war - the underestimation of the task - the distraction from the real and important threat of the terrorists.

"The problem the Prime Minister has is that we have no reason to trust his word? He had 'no plans' to introduce student tuition fees - but he did. He had 'no plans' to raise national insurance - but he did. He has 'no plans' to attack Iran.

"And to Glenda Jackson I say - you cannot pick and mix your politics. The issue of Iraq was an issue of fundamental principle. It was not a matter of conscience or a moral personal issue - it was a matter of principle and law. Labour have let us down, they have betrayed our reputation - they don't deserve our support."