Menu
15/06/2009
Iraq War Inquiry To Be Held In Private, PM Announces
A Government enquiry into the Iraq war will be held in private, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced.
Speaking to MPs in the Commons today, the PM said holding an inquiry in private would allow evidence to be given in as "full and candid" a manner as possible.
The privy councillor inquiry will cover July 2001 to July 2009 and former permanent under-secretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office, Sir John Chilcott will act as chair.
The news comes following widespread calls by opposition parties, as well as many Labour MPs, who have called for the inquiry since shortly after the 2003 invasion.
Mr Brown said work will begin next month, and last at least a year.
He also said that with the last UK combat mission over in Iraq, "now is the right time to ensure we have a proper process in place to learn the lessons".
The Premier added: "The inquiry will be fully independent of Government. The scope of the inquiry is unprecedented. It covers an eight-year period.
"The committee will have access to the fullest range of information, including secret information. Their investigation can range across all documents, all papers and all material.
"No British documents and no British witness will be beyond the scope of the inquiry."
However, the PM was jeered by Conservative MPs when he announced it would take a year to report, as this is beyond the date of the next general election.
Tory leader David Cameron accused Mr Brown of announcing an "establishment stitch-up", which was more concerned about the timing of the inquiry, instead of its contents.
"Shouldn't the inquiry have the power to apportion blame? If mistakes were made we need to know who made them and how they were made."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg added: "I am staggered that the Prime Minister is seeking to compound the error, fatal to so many of Britain's sons and daughters, by covering up the path that led to it."
He added: "He has taken a step in the right direction but missed the fundamental point.
"A secret inquiry, conducted by a clutch of grandees, hand-picked by the Prime Minister, is not what Britain needs."
(JM/BMcC)
Speaking to MPs in the Commons today, the PM said holding an inquiry in private would allow evidence to be given in as "full and candid" a manner as possible.
The privy councillor inquiry will cover July 2001 to July 2009 and former permanent under-secretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office, Sir John Chilcott will act as chair.
The news comes following widespread calls by opposition parties, as well as many Labour MPs, who have called for the inquiry since shortly after the 2003 invasion.
Mr Brown said work will begin next month, and last at least a year.
He also said that with the last UK combat mission over in Iraq, "now is the right time to ensure we have a proper process in place to learn the lessons".
The Premier added: "The inquiry will be fully independent of Government. The scope of the inquiry is unprecedented. It covers an eight-year period.
"The committee will have access to the fullest range of information, including secret information. Their investigation can range across all documents, all papers and all material.
"No British documents and no British witness will be beyond the scope of the inquiry."
However, the PM was jeered by Conservative MPs when he announced it would take a year to report, as this is beyond the date of the next general election.
Tory leader David Cameron accused Mr Brown of announcing an "establishment stitch-up", which was more concerned about the timing of the inquiry, instead of its contents.
"Shouldn't the inquiry have the power to apportion blame? If mistakes were made we need to know who made them and how they were made."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg added: "I am staggered that the Prime Minister is seeking to compound the error, fatal to so many of Britain's sons and daughters, by covering up the path that led to it."
He added: "He has taken a step in the right direction but missed the fundamental point.
"A secret inquiry, conducted by a clutch of grandees, hand-picked by the Prime Minister, is not what Britain needs."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
20 April 2005
Berlusconi announces plans to resign
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced that will resign from his post today, in order to form a new government. Mr Berlusconi was expected to visit President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi today in order to formally tender his resignation.
Berlusconi announces plans to resign
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has announced that will resign from his post today, in order to form a new government. Mr Berlusconi was expected to visit President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi today in order to formally tender his resignation.
21 January 2011
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
13 January 2010
PM Should Face Pre-Election Iraq Inquiry
Liberal Democrats have called on PM Gordon Brown to publicly submit evidence to the Iraq Inquiry prior to the General Election. Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said the electorate was "entitled" to know the then chancellor's role in the invasion. Mr Brown, who "signed the cheques" for war, said he would appear whenever the Chilcot inquiry requested.
PM Should Face Pre-Election Iraq Inquiry
Liberal Democrats have called on PM Gordon Brown to publicly submit evidence to the Iraq Inquiry prior to the General Election. Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said the electorate was "entitled" to know the then chancellor's role in the invasion. Mr Brown, who "signed the cheques" for war, said he would appear whenever the Chilcot inquiry requested.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
