Harman Faces Credibility Problem - Cable

10.26.25am GMT Tue 26th Jun 2007

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Vince Cable MP

Harriet Harman 'faces a serious problem of credibility' following her claim that she did not call for the Government to apologise over the Iraq war, according to Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Vince Cable MP.

Commenting, he said:

"Harriet Harman faces a serious problem of credibility. She made a whole series of statements when she was running for the deputy leadership that are wholly contrary to the policies set out by Gordon Brown.

"Her comments on the Iraq war are clearly in line with the vast majority of Labour members and the general public. What is now required is for Gordon Brown to come into line with her opinion, rather than the other way around."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

On this morning's Today programme, Harriet Harman said:

"I've never said that the Government should apologise.

"How many times can I say it? I haven't asked anybody else to do anything - I've just explained what my position is."

On the Newsnight Deputy Leadership programme there was the following exchange:

Jeremy Paxman: Do you think the party should say sorry for what happened?

John Cruddas: I do actually as part of the general reconciliation with the British people over what as been a disaster in Iraq

Harriet Harman: Yep, I agree with that