MPs angry as Blair ducks Iraq debate

Tony Blair has been sharply criticised for not attending this week's Commons debate on the Iraq war. Senior MPs are furious that the Prime Minister will not speak in the debate, even though it is the first time the Government has given time for a parliamentary discussion on Iraq since July 2004.

The Prime Minister was accused yesterday of evading parliamentary scrutiny of the invasion, which has led to thousands of civilian deaths and cost the lives of more than 120 British service personnel.

Mr Blair last opened a debate on Iraq in Parliament in March 2003, when he made the case for military action. Yesterday, Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, condemned Mr Blair for making Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary, lead for the Government.

Sir Menzies said Mr Blair should take responsibility for the "débâcle", because he took the decision to take Britain to war.

David Cameron, the Conservative leader, had also asked Mr Blair to open the debate.

Mrs Beckett is expected to set out further details of a withdrawal strategy for British troops and to spell out plans to reduce the military presence in southern Iraq.