Redcap's dad praises Iraq war inquiry
THE father of a fallen South Tyneside soldier has praised the Iraq public inquiry for "exposing the truth".
But John Miller – whose son Corporal Simon Miller, 21, was killed in an ambush in 2003 – says the investigation will only have been worth it if action is taken after the inquiry.
His reaction comes after the hearing was told that former Prime Minister Tony Blair received intelligence that Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction had been "dismantled" 10 days before Britain invaded Iraq.
Mr Miller said: "I've been keeping a close eye on the inquiry, and the truth is starting to come out.
"I think people can clearly see Tony Blair is the man to blame for sending our soldiers to Iraq.
"Because of that, my son and 178 others have died. My son's blood is still soaked in the sands of that country.
"I find it disgusting that Tony Blair was told that the weapons of mass destruction had been dismantled 10 days before we invaded Iraq.
"He kept this from us. He lied to the country."
The London-based inquiry, which began last month, has already heard from senior officials and military officers responsible for giving advice to ministers or putting policies into action, and is expected to last until February.
Mr Blair is expected to be questioned in the new year.
Cpl Simon Miller was one of six Redcaps killed by a 400-strong Iraqi mob in Al Majar al-Kabir in 2003.
The South Shields-born soldier died alongside Cpl Paul Long, 24, who grew up in the town, after they came under attack while equipping a police station.
An inquest heard they did not have sufficient ammunition to defend themselves, and were unable to call for help, as they did not have satellite phones.
Mr Miller, who has already given evidence to Sir John Chilcot, the former civil servant leading the inquiry, added: "I have no doubt
that Sir John will be thorough in his investigations, but my worry is what will happen when the inquiry is finished?
"Will any action be taken against Blair? Probably not. In my view, Blair should be charged with crimes against humanity."
Once the hearings resume next month, the inquiry committee will start questioning senior politicians, including Mr Blair, on their roles and decisions.
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