Blair criticized for skipping Iraq debate

LONDON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Several officials have come out in opposition to British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to skip a key parliamentary debate regarding the Iraq conflict.

The Times of London said that after Blair chose to make a speech to the Confederation of British Industry rather than attend the first parliamentary debate regarding Iraq in three years, many in the government openly began criticizing him.

"He was in the House to lead us to war," Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague said. "He should now be in the House to reassure Parliament and the country that the government understands the gravity of situation in Iraq and has a clear strategy for making Iraq safe and stable."

Joining Hague in his criticism of Blair was John McDonnell, a Labor Party member of Parliament, who called the prime minister's move irresponsible.

Blair's absence became more of an issue after Sir Menzies Campbell, the leader of the nation's Liberal Democratic party, said his group would demand Britain pull out of Iraq.