Chilcot report provides important analysis but war as first resort lobby still carries undue influence in public lexicon

The Chilcot report provides a damning condemnation of the decision making process that led to the Iraq war, let's hope its words penetrate politicians and media operatives. It is fine to come up with such conclusions 13 years after the event but what of those voices warning at the time of the consequences of this ludicrous war ..the 2 million who marched on the streets..ignored by Blair and his ruling cabal, MPs like Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Robin Cook and Charles Kennedy and journalists like John Pilger. What of the peace movement ignored by Blair, the BBC and other influential parts of the media.

There are also few signs of lessons learned as a result of Iraq. Britain has jumped in with further hasty ill advised military interventions in Libya and Syria.

Labour MP Paul Flynn, who voted against the Iraq war, rightly identified the "war as first resort" group. that still exists and carries undue influence in Parliament. This group was most recently seen in action over the bombing of Syria.

Yes Chilcot provides valuable analysis but there is still much that needs to be done if the lessons of the past are to be truly learned in order that they are not repeated in the future.