The UK election must be a referendum on Iraq

The upcoming British election is presenting a big moral dilemma to many of my friends who opposed the war and the ongoing policy failures in Iraq since the main opposition party, the Conservatives, supported the war as enthusistically as the Blair government. While the third party, the Liberal Democrats, has been more critical of the war, the general perception is that it couldn't get the large swing needed to win, although if everyone opposed to the war voted for them this would be possible. The most firmly anti-war party is the Greens, while some of the regional parties like Plaid Cmyru in Wales have also taken strong stances. In a few constituencies independent candidates are standing, including the wonderful Rose Gentle in East Kirbride and Reg Keys in Tony Blair's home constituency of Sedgefield; both have lost sons in Iraq.

The situation would be easier if we had a proportional representation system, but under the existing first-past-the-post system the choice appears to be between two pro-war parties. As a result many people are tempted to ignore Iraq and vote on purely domestic issues. Having just spent 6 weeks in Iraq and seen the mess we have made of that country, I believe that voting in pro-war candidates, whether Labour or Conservative, would be a dreadful betrayal of the Iraqi people. Whoever wins, the clear message of the election needs to be that British governments cannot participate in the killing of around 98,000 people (Lancet estimate) and get away scot free.

More importantly the government which is formed must be compelled to make Iraq a policy and spending priority. A fortnight ago when I was in Basra & Amarah, the British controled regions of Iraq, I heard again and again how little we are doing to even repair the damage caused in the war and looting, let alone rebuild Iraq's tattered infrastructure. I know some wonderful people working for DFID and the FCO in Iraq, but the truth is they have not been given the mandate or the money to do a decent job.

An essay by Milan Rai, who lead the campaign against the sanctions, is helpful in clarifying our voting options. Here is a partial list of pro/anti war candiates. However you vote, please make it clear to your candidates that Iraq policy is the critical issue.