Dunne: Nats 'game-playing' on Iraq a disgrace

National's refusal today to seek leave for an urgent debate on the Iraq situation was "political game-playing of the worst kind," United Future leader Peter Dunne said this morning.

"It is absolutely disgraceful that after weeks of telling everyone that the issue needs to be debated in Parliament, that when the Government gives them precisely that opportunity, they run for the hills," Mr Dunne said.

"Just what sort of game is Bill English playing?

"This is an international issue of the greatest significance. This House should be debating it and debating it now.

"If National thinks that New Zealanders don't care about the fact that we are on the verge of a very significant war, then they are even further removed from the average Kiwi than I thought they were," Mr Dunne said.

"What is their fear - that Bill English will make another 'bring the SAS home' gaffe?" he asked.

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