London:
Ahead of fresh general elections in Britain, Prime Minister Gordon Brown will face the inquiry into his country's involvement in Iraq war, which may prove costly to his ruling Labour Party.
The John Chilcot inquiry, which is televised almost live, is a public panel taking evidence about the UK's involvement in the Iraq war and has so far grilled key players, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Brown is also scheduled to participate in US-style television debates with leaders of the two main opposition parties -- David Cameron (Conservative) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats) -- before the elections due this year.
Brown's decision to face the Iraq inquiry on TV before the election is expected to spark further criticism of his Labour government on Iraq. It is seen as potential damage to Brown and Labour party's political fortunes on the sensitive subject of Iraq.
Earlier, inquiry officials had said Brown would be asked to appear after the elections, but following criticism from political rivals, the Prime Minister has decided to appear tomorrow.
Brown, the country's finance minister during 1997-2007, is accused of starving the British military forces of funds, which allegedly led to substantial casualties.
Brown has strongly denied the charges, insisting that he was with Blair in the government's decision to join the Iraq war.
In a recent press conference, the Prime Minister had said: "I stand by all the actions I have taken and I welcome the chance to explain."
Labour strategists are keeping their fingers crossed over Brown's televised appearance before the Iraq inquiry, and hope the appearance would not further chip away Labour low ratings.
The John Chilcot inquiry, which is televised almost live, is a public panel taking evidence about the UK's involvement in the Iraq war and has so far grilled key players, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Brown is also scheduled to participate in US-style television debates with leaders of the two main opposition parties -- David Cameron (Conservative) and Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats) -- before the elections due this year.
Brown's decision to face the Iraq inquiry on TV before the election is expected to spark further criticism of his Labour government on Iraq. It is seen as potential damage to Brown and Labour party's political fortunes on the sensitive subject of Iraq.
Earlier, inquiry officials had said Brown would be asked to appear after the elections, but following criticism from political rivals, the Prime Minister has decided to appear tomorrow.
Brown, the country's finance minister during 1997-2007, is accused of starving the British military forces of funds, which allegedly led to substantial casualties.
Brown has strongly denied the charges, insisting that he was with Blair in the government's decision to join the Iraq war.
In a recent press conference, the Prime Minister had said: "I stand by all the actions I have taken and I welcome the chance to explain."
Labour strategists are keeping their fingers crossed over Brown's televised appearance before the Iraq inquiry, and hope the appearance would not further chip away Labour low ratings.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
