Former MP in bid to prosecute PM

Scots law could be used to try Tony Blair for war crimes in Iraq, says Jim Sillars

News, 12 June 2007

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The former SNP MP Jim Sillars has launched a bid to have the Prime Minister tried for war crimes in Iraq under Scots law.

In a 10,000 word dossier delivered to Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini, Mr Sillars submits that Tony Blair conspired with others to wage aggressive war against Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein, contrary to customary international law.

The former MP argues that Mr Blair could be tried in a Scottish court. A previous attempt to raise a similar action in England failed because lawyers argued that it was not the place to deal with international law.

Mr Sillars, who spent six months putting together his complaint, said Scots law was different because of the different rules, procedures and instruments available to it, making prosecution a possibility. He argues that his actions do not have a political basis, but one of legal principles and case law.

In his submission Mr Sillars identifies possible witnesses such as Air Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup who he says may be in a position to support his claim that Blair engaged in an illegal conspiracy to invade Iraq.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office said they could confirm receipt of correspondence from Jim Sillars, and that a response would be issued in due course.

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