Syria: Philip Hammond confuses Saddam Hussein with Bashar al-Assad on Newsnight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With David Cameron’s shock Commons defeat on Syria sending Conservatives into disarray, it’s no surprise that Defence Secretary Philip Hammond seemed flustered on Newsnight.
However, that Mr Hammond appeared to forget who Britain had intended to strike against in Syria was even more remarkable.
The Tory minister twice referred to “ Saddam Hussein” instead of Bashar al-Assad, mixing up the Syrian leader with the former Iraqi despot who was executed in 2006 . He spoke about “deterring Saddam Hussein from further use of chemical weapons” and that “Britain should not take part in any action against Saddam Hussein”.
Mr Hammond had earlier suggested that Tony Blair was to blame for the Government losing the vote, because he had “poisoned the well” of public opinion through intervening in Iraq.
The Assad/Hussein gaffe was widely shared on social media, with one Twitter user, Andy Dawson, even making a vine of his mistake, below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments