31st October 2006

Oxford East New Labour MP, Andrew Smith, tonight backed the Government in opposing a Parliamentary Inquiry into the disasterous Iraq war.

A Blair loyalist, Smith was a minister at the time and and openly pro-war. His support in the House of Common tonight helped the Government squeeze through with a 25 vote majority.

Says Green City Councillor Craig Simmons, who campaigned vigorously against the war, "Smith's very direct support for the war was both immoral and inexcusable. He is  responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis, hundred of brave allied soldiers, and though his actions has incited terrorism in the UK and overseas. It is perhaps not surprising that he is now trying to cover his tracks."