Supporting a failed war is always so much easier when you don't have to look the families of the dead in the eye and explain why the war is necessary. Blair is always ready for a TV camera and can sound eloquent but he has done a miserable job with explaining to the British people why the UK needs to be in the war.
After just over 100 UK dead in Iraq, the families are joining together and will deliver a letter to Downing Street asking for an explanation and a discussion with them about the war. Blair, of course, will not be there to accept the letter nor will he speak with the families.
In an open letter published in The Independent today, which will be handed into No 10, the relatives of 20 British soldiers killed in Iraq call on Mr Blair to acknowledge the grief and concerns of bereaved families by meeting them face to face. They want British forces to leave now.
In the letter, they state: "If you truly believe your policies, and the continuing need for the presence of British servicemen and women in Iraq, you should surely have the courage to face the families of those who have paid the ultimate price, and to explain them to us."
