BRITAIN: British prime minister Tony Blair yesterday tried to laugh off the controversy sparked by his assertion that he would be judged by God over his decision to go to war in Iraq.
His comments, in an interview with Michael Parkinson on Saturday, provoked a furious response from some of the families of servicemen killed in the conflict. Yesterday Mr Blair attempted to defuse the row when he delivered a speech to trade unionists in London.
Apologising for missing the opening address, he said: "I probably missed the prayers as well. That is a joke for the media." However, the controversy showed little sign of abating with Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond joining the condemnation. He told a party meeting in Perth Mr Blair did not look divinely inspired but "troubled, confused and with a great deal on his conscience".
"God was not the co-author of the war in Iraq - George W Bush was the co-author," he said.
"If the prime minister is prepared to be judged by the people and by God, then in the meantime perhaps he would submit himself to the proper judgment of parliament by agreeing to the demand for impeachment and a parliamentary inquiry."
Rose Gentle, whose son, Gordon, was killed in Basra in 2004, said she was "quite disgusted" at Mr Blair's remarks. "How can he say he is a Christian? "A Christian would never put people out there to be killed.
Reg Keys, father of Lance Cpl Tom Keys, who was killed by Iraqis in Majar Al-Kabir in June 2003, said he found Mr Blair's words abhorrent. "God and religion has nothing to do with this war. This is nothing to do with God. - (PA)
