Iraq war: The week the spectre of the conflict returned to the front line of British politics

Twelve years after British forces marched into Basra and six years after the vast majority of them left, the spectre of the Iraq war still looms large over the Westminster body politic. Those who were instrumental in taking the decision to invade – Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Jack Straw – have all shuffled off the stage. Those who drew up the botched invasion plans and advised ministers have almost all retired, while the most contentious aspect of the decision to go to war has already been covered by two previous inquiries.