Opposition lawmakers in Britain have resumed efforts aimed at forcing the government to hold an immediate inquiry into the war in Iraq.

The opposition Conservatives insisted Tuesday the time had come for Britain to examine mistakes made before and during the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq.

William Hague, Conservative party spokesman on foreign affairs, said Tuesday that he believed after five years, it was time to start an enquiry before the memories started fading, or files went astray.

He said claims that an inquiry would divert attention from the rebuilding of Iraq were 'ludicrous'.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged last week to hold an inquiry into the war and its aftermath but not until Britain's 4,000 remaining troops were home.

Since 2006, legislators have failed in two attempts to force an inquiry, when their motions were rejected by votes in the House of Commons.

ZHD/RA