Brown must explain failure to act to stop Iraq war says Davey

1.04.50pm GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats at the London rally against war in Iraq

"Gordon Brown was one of very few with the power to put the brakes on Tony Blair," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary.

Commenting on Clare Short's claim that Gordon Brown was 'marginalised' in the build up to the Iraq war, Edward Davey said "Clare Short's claims about Gordon Brown's 'marginalisation' do not ring true. The simple fact is that he signed the cheques for this disastrous war. Gordon Brown was one of very few with the power to put the brakes on Tony Blair. He had an effective veto, but instead chose to do nothing. He must explain his failure to act."