The White House meeting that took us to war

U2 spy plane. Photograph: PA
A Guardian exclusive tonight reveals that President Bush suggested to Tony Blair in January 2003 the idea of painting UN colours on American U2 spy planes in the hope that Saddam would shoot one down.

According to a leaked memo of the White House meeting between the two leaders, Mr Bush told the prime minister: "If Saddam fired on them, he would be in breach [of UN resolutions]".

Tony Blair told President Bush he was "solidly" behind American plans to invade Iraq before he sought advice about its legality and despite the absence of a second UN resolution.

Iraq / UK news / UK politics / USA