Shadow of Iraq war lies over Westminster as MPs consider US-Israeli attack on Iran

"I was exposed to and aware of all the things that were happening in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq, the groupthink, the sense of unstoppable momentum. If you look at what is happening right now, it's materially different to 2003, but I think I can speak with adequate weight and credibility."

"Flawed advice does not make the unlawful use of force lawful. Military commanders on the ground will not thank the government if any action they take is later judged to have been in breach of international law."

"The real spectre of the Iraq war is not the decision-making process that was carr[ied out], but rather the need to ensure current military actions operate on a lawful basis with viable, thought-through plans addressing Middle East crises."

Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and former RAF wing commander who served in Iraq, draws on his military experience to inform current parliamentary debates about Middle East conflicts. As the UK government responds to Israeli and US strikes on Iran, Bailey emphasizes that while the Iraq war's lessons remain important, dwelling on past mistakes risks diverting attention from immediate security challenges. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to lawful decision-making and avoiding Iraq's errors, a position consistent with his 2003 Guardian writings opposing unlawful military action. Bailey advocates for younger MPs to balance historical awareness with pragmatic focus on current geopolitical crises.

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