Humfrey Malins

Conservative Party | Woking

Humfrey Malins Campaigns for Iraq Inquiry

On the 5th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, Woking MP Humfrey Malins spent the day campaigning for an inquiry into the war, and pressing for improved relations with the Muslim world. 
As a principal guest at a reception, Humfrey met with the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, to discuss social and religious cohesion in Woking, which he praised as exemplary; `the High Commissioner agreed and hopes to visit our town soon` said Humfrey.  
Immediately following that meeting, Humfrey represented Woking in the chamber of the House of Commons during the Opposition day debate into the Iraq inquiry in which the conservatives asked `That this House calls for an inquiry by an independent committee of privy councillors to review the way in which the responsibilities of Government were discharged in relation to Iraq, and all matters relevant thereto, in the period leading up to military action in that country in March 2003 and its aftermath and to make recommendations on lessons to be drawn for the future`. 

Intervening in a speech made by the Labour Barrister Robert Marshall Andrews, in which he condemned the war, Humfrey said `I support the hon. and learned Gentleman’s argument with all the strength that I can muster, but may I remind him gently that some Opposition Members at the time took the view that he is expressing? I was one of those who resigned as a shadow Minister because of the illegal war. Does he agree that, when we look back at our parliamentary lives, we may well regard the decision to go to war with Iraq as the worst and most horrible decision that this Parliament has made?`. 

Having resigned as a shadow cabinet Minister 5 years ago as a result of the Government’s decision to enter into a war in Iraq, Humfrey continues to be determined in his fight for legal and moral justice, as well as securing positive relations with Middle Eastern nations. 

Humfrey said `I stand by my decision to resign as Shadow Minister over the Iraq War. There should be an inquiry into the war, but also the aftermath of the war.  Apart from our armed forces who have lost their lives, we have thousands of servicemen and women with serious injuries who are not being looked after.  I will continue to do my bit to develop positive relations with Pakistan and other Middle East nations to improve the flow of communication and cooperation between all countries to ensure that this situation is not repeated in the future`.