Upper Bann Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie MC, who was awarded the ‘Queens Commendation for Bravery’ for his actions during the invasion of Iraq, has described the Iraq War as a ‘masquerade of a just and legal conflict’ in his response to the publication of the Chilcot report.

Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“War polarises opinion, but few military campaigns have left such a bitter taste and generated so much emotion as the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

“The troops who went into Iraq were badly let down by their political masters. They lacked the right equipment and were put in harm’s way by those who continued the masquerade of a just and legal conflict right up to the last minute.

“As Chilcot himself said, policy on Iraq was based on flawed intelligence and assessments. None of this is due to the ordinary troops who were tasked with carrying out the war. Blame must lie with a number of individuals and organisations. Certainly the then Prime Minister Tony Blair has much to answer for. Those responsible for the dossier that gave us the evidence of weapons of mass destruction - MI6 and MI5 - also have to explain themselves. And others who did not cover themselves in glory include the Foreign Office, the Home Office and the Labour Cabinet of the day.

“Parliament itself cannot dodge censure. Many MPs allowed themselves to be misled and voted for war. So did our top military leaders. Their collective eagerness to please led to a hurried deployment, beleaguered by a lack of planning and poor force generation.

“As the Regimental Sergeant Major, I watched as the Royal Irish troops conducted themselves with great courage and compassion under difficult conditions. I am proud of what we as a Battle Group did in Iraq but I am acutely aware that the legacy of the war will not be forgotten on the publication of the Chilcot report.

“I think the biggest legacy for many soldiers in truth, is the mental scars of the conflict. There's something about fighting a just war when the nation is proud of you for doing that, which helps people.

“But when you fight a war where the nation is now pointing the finger and saying 'wrong, illegal', then that's going to affect you even more. And I think the mental strains and the mental scars on many people who fought in Iraq are very prevalent now.

“Many soldiers are afraid to raise their head and say 'I fought in Iraq' because it's viewed on as something not good. This is entirely the responsibility of those who sent us to war on a false pretext.”