Around the World: United Kingdom

Straw stands by Iraq decision

Former foreign minister Jack Straw said yesterday he deeply regretted the loss of life in Iraq but defended his decision to back the US-led invasion in 2003.

Straw, who is now Justice Secretary, served as foreign minister under former prime minister Tony Blair between 2001-2006. Straw described the decision to go to war in the face of mass public protests as one of the most divisive of his political lifetime.