INTRO
The findings of a long awaited inquiry into Britain's involvement in the 2003 Iraq War have been published.
The Chilcot report concluded that the UK's invasion of Iraq was based on flawed intelligence assessments which were not challenged.
The findings also delivered a crushing critique on the then Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to go to war in Iraq, as our UK Correspondent Natalie Powell reports.
IN: Anti-war protestors
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2 minutes 45 seconds
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SCRIPT
Anti-war protestors and families of some 179 British service men and women who died in the Iraq War gathered in central London for the verdict of the Chilcot Inquiry.
The target of their anger, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who led the country to war in 2003.
GRAB: SARAH O'CONNOR, SISTER OF SERGENT BOB O'CONNOR
The shadow of Iraq is always with me, Iraq is an indelible stain on the world because of Tony Blair
The 2 and a half million word Chilcot report itself extensively criticises Mr Blair for not exhausting all peaceful options before invading Iraq and for ignoring the ripple effects of war.
GRAB: JOHN CHILCOT, HEAD OF IRAQ WAR INQUIRY
"Mr Blair had been warned however that military action would increase the threat from Al Qaeda to the UK and UK interests. He had also been warned that an invasion might lead to Iraq's weapons and capabilities being transferred into the hands of terrorists."
however defended his decisions on Iraq
In the wake of the iraq inquiry's conclusion, Mr Blair expressed regret over the War, but defended his decisions.
GRAB: FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR
"The aftermath turned out to be more hostile, protracted and bloody than ever we imagined. The coalition planned for one set of facts and encountered another. And a nation whose people we want to set free and secure from the evil of Saddam became instead victim to sectarian terrorism. For all of this I express more sorrow, regret and apology than you will ever know or can believe."
Families of those who lost their lives in the Iraq War must now digest the inquiry's findings, and while there is a sense of justice now, many argue the investigation did not go far enough.
PTC, NATALIE POWELL, LONDON
The report which has taken seven year to complete has revealed some harsh criticisms of UK military commanders and the British government's decision making.
John Chilcot hopes that these findings will mean lessons will be learnt so the same mistakes will not be made again.
NP, SOC