Tony Blair's letter to Rose Gentle

Here is a copy of the full letter Prime Minister Tony Blair sent to Rose Gentle, the mother of soldier Gordon who died in Iraq

Here is a copy of the full letter Prime Minister Tony Blair sent to Rose Gentle, the mother of soldier Gordon who died in Iraq:

Dear Mrs Gentle,

I am sorry I have not written to you before about Gordon. I was uncertain, having read your comments in the newspapers, whether you would resent my writing to you.

I offer you my deepest condolences on his death. But I would like you to know that I believe what Gordon and his fellow soldiers are doing out in Iraq is vital not just for the change necessary in that country but vital for the security and stability of this country, Britain and of the wider world.

I understand you may not agree with this, but you should know at least that I hold this belief sincerely.

It is a heavy responsibility to send young soldiers into war and I can assure I did not take the decision lightly. But I believe that had we allowed Saddam to remain in power, the consequences would have been appalling and dangerous far beyond the frontiers of Iraq.

I would like to pay tribute to Gordon's courage, dedication and professionalism. By all accounts, he was a fine soldier. I know you will be very proud of him and so is his country in whose service he gave his life.

You and Mr Gentle are in my thoughts and prayers,

Yours sincerely

Tony Blair.