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Gordon Brown Regrets Not Opposing Iraq War Decision

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gordon Brown, then UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, expresses regret for not opposing Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, over invading Iraq, admitting he felt misled by the government's justification.
The invasion began on March 20, 2003.
Brown notes Robin Cook, the former Foreign Secretary, who resigned in protest, had a clearer understanding of the misleading claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
The Chilcot inquiry concluded the war was unnecessary.

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Story summary

Gordon Brown, then UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, expresses regret for not opposing Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister, over invading Iraq, admitting he felt misled by the government's justification.
The invasion began on March 20, 2003.
Brown notes Robin Cook, the former Foreign Secretary, who resigned in protest, had a clearer understanding of the misleading claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
The Chilcot inquiry concluded the war was unnecessary.