All the "action" is at the Iraq Inquiry Digest, run by Chris Ames.
An excellent resource and the place to get information even before it appears on the official inquiry site, and first-rate commentary.
The Not The Iraq War Inquiry is now in suspended animation.....
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Thursday, 8 October 2009
TELIC veterans invited to Iraq Inquiry Roadshow
From the MoD website. Reported on the (excellent) Iraq Inquiry Digest. Not on the "official website" yet.
TELIC veterans invited to take part in Iraq Inquiry
A Defence Policy and Business news article
5 Oct 09
Veterans and other participants in the UK involvement in Iraq are being asked for their input to the official inquiry into the conflict.
On 15 June 2009 the Prime Minister announced in Parliament that there would be an inquiry to examine and report on the British Government's policies and their implementation, from summer 2001 to 31 July 2009, relating to the Iraq conflict and its aftermath.
Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot, has today sent an open letter to participants in the Iraq campaign (Operation TELIC) offering them the opportunity to give their views to the inquiry committee by attending one of a series of roadshows.
In the letter Sir John Chilcot says:
"At the launch of the Iraq Inquiry on 30 July I said that one of the committee's first priorities was to hear from those affected by the Iraq conflict since 2003, including those who served in Iraq as part of Op TELIC.
"We have been pleased that some of you have already contacted the inquiry to let us know what you believe its priorities should be. This is to inform you that the committee will shortly be holding a series of open events across the country for TELIC veterans to participate in if they wish.
"The events will take place as follows:
Wednesday 14 October
Novotel St Pancras,
100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 16 October
City Inn Hotel,
1 Auburn Street, 1 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3DG
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 23 October
City Inn Hotel, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6BF
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
"There will also be events in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the details of which will be released shortly.
"I should emphasise that these events are by no means the only opportunity to give your views to the inquiry. We are happy to receive the thoughts of individuals who served during the campaign or from relevant groups or associations on behalf of their members. Please send any submissions to the Iraq Inquiry Secretariat [at the above address].
"The committee are grateful for your help in this aspect of the inquiry's work and look forward to receiving your views in person or in writing."
Should you wish to attend one of the events, please email the Inquiry Secretariat at secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk with your name and the event you plan to attend so that they have an idea of numbers. It would also help them to know your role in the campaign, eg, Service, Reservist, civilian, etc.
The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the inquiry. Serving Armed Forces and MOD personnel who wish to attend the roadshows are encouraged to do so.
TELIC veterans invited to take part in Iraq Inquiry
A Defence Policy and Business news article
5 Oct 09
Veterans and other participants in the UK involvement in Iraq are being asked for their input to the official inquiry into the conflict.
On 15 June 2009 the Prime Minister announced in Parliament that there would be an inquiry to examine and report on the British Government's policies and their implementation, from summer 2001 to 31 July 2009, relating to the Iraq conflict and its aftermath.
Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot, has today sent an open letter to participants in the Iraq campaign (Operation TELIC) offering them the opportunity to give their views to the inquiry committee by attending one of a series of roadshows.
In the letter Sir John Chilcot says:
"At the launch of the Iraq Inquiry on 30 July I said that one of the committee's first priorities was to hear from those affected by the Iraq conflict since 2003, including those who served in Iraq as part of Op TELIC.
"We have been pleased that some of you have already contacted the inquiry to let us know what you believe its priorities should be. This is to inform you that the committee will shortly be holding a series of open events across the country for TELIC veterans to participate in if they wish.
"The events will take place as follows:
Wednesday 14 October
Novotel St Pancras,
100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 16 October
City Inn Hotel,
1 Auburn Street, 1 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3DG
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 23 October
City Inn Hotel, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6BF
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
"There will also be events in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the details of which will be released shortly.
"I should emphasise that these events are by no means the only opportunity to give your views to the inquiry. We are happy to receive the thoughts of individuals who served during the campaign or from relevant groups or associations on behalf of their members. Please send any submissions to the Iraq Inquiry Secretariat [at the above address].
"The committee are grateful for your help in this aspect of the inquiry's work and look forward to receiving your views in person or in writing."
Should you wish to attend one of the events, please email the Inquiry Secretariat at secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk with your name and the event you plan to attend so that they have an idea of numbers. It would also help them to know your role in the campaign, eg, Service, Reservist, civilian, etc.
The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the inquiry. Serving Armed Forces and MOD personnel who wish to attend the roadshows are encouraged to do so.
TELIC veterans invited to inquiry "roadshows"
From the MoD website. Reported on the (excellent) Iraq Inquiry Digest. Not on the "official website" yet.
TELIC veterans invited to take part in Iraq Inquiry
A Defence Policy and Business news article
5 Oct 09
Veterans and other participants in the UK involvement in Iraq are being asked for their input to the official inquiry into the conflict.
An RAF policeman patrols the streets around the Basra Contingency Operating Base[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2008]
On 15 June 2009 the Prime Minister announced in Parliament that there would be an inquiry to examine and report on the British Government's policies and their implementation, from summer 2001 to 31 July 2009, relating to the Iraq conflict and its aftermath.
Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot, has today sent an open letter to participants in the Iraq campaign (Operation TELIC) offering them the opportunity to give their views to the inquiry committee by attending one of a series of roadshows.
In the letter Sir John Chilcot says:
"At the launch of the Iraq Inquiry on 30 July I said that one of the committee's first priorities was to hear from those affected by the Iraq conflict since 2003, including those who served in Iraq as part of Op TELIC.
"We have been pleased that some of you have already contacted the inquiry to let us know what you believe its priorities should be. This is to inform you that the committee will shortly be holding a series of open events across the country for TELIC veterans to participate in if they wish.
"The events will take place as follows:
Wednesday 14 October
Novotel St Pancras,
100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 16 October
City Inn Hotel,
1 Auburn Street, 1 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3DG
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 23 October
City Inn Hotel, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6BF
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
"There will also be events in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the details of which will be released shortly.
"I should emphasise that these events are by no means the only opportunity to give your views to the inquiry. We are happy to receive the thoughts of individuals who served during the campaign or from relevant groups or associations on behalf of their members. Please send any submissions to the Iraq Inquiry Secretariat [at the above address].
"The committee are grateful for your help in this aspect of the inquiry's work and look forward to receiving your views in person or in writing."
Should you wish to attend one of the events, please email the Inquiry Secretariat at secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk with your name and the event you plan to attend so that they have an idea of numbers. It would also help them to know your role in the campaign, eg, Service, Reservist, civilian, etc.
The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the inquiry. Serving Armed Forces and MOD personnel who wish to attend the roadshows are encouraged to do so.
TELIC veterans invited to take part in Iraq Inquiry
A Defence Policy and Business news article
5 Oct 09
Veterans and other participants in the UK involvement in Iraq are being asked for their input to the official inquiry into the conflict.
An RAF policeman patrols the streets around the Basra Contingency Operating Base[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2008]
On 15 June 2009 the Prime Minister announced in Parliament that there would be an inquiry to examine and report on the British Government's policies and their implementation, from summer 2001 to 31 July 2009, relating to the Iraq conflict and its aftermath.
Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, Sir John Chilcot, has today sent an open letter to participants in the Iraq campaign (Operation TELIC) offering them the opportunity to give their views to the inquiry committee by attending one of a series of roadshows.
In the letter Sir John Chilcot says:
"At the launch of the Iraq Inquiry on 30 July I said that one of the committee's first priorities was to hear from those affected by the Iraq conflict since 2003, including those who served in Iraq as part of Op TELIC.
"We have been pleased that some of you have already contacted the inquiry to let us know what you believe its priorities should be. This is to inform you that the committee will shortly be holding a series of open events across the country for TELIC veterans to participate in if they wish.
"The events will take place as follows:
Wednesday 14 October
Novotel St Pancras,
100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 16 October
City Inn Hotel,
1 Auburn Street, 1 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3DG
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
Friday 23 October
City Inn Hotel, Temple Way, Bristol BS1 6BF
Between 1500 and 1700hrs
"There will also be events in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the details of which will be released shortly.
"I should emphasise that these events are by no means the only opportunity to give your views to the inquiry. We are happy to receive the thoughts of individuals who served during the campaign or from relevant groups or associations on behalf of their members. Please send any submissions to the Iraq Inquiry Secretariat [at the above address].
"The committee are grateful for your help in this aspect of the inquiry's work and look forward to receiving your views in person or in writing."
Should you wish to attend one of the events, please email the Inquiry Secretariat at secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk with your name and the event you plan to attend so that they have an idea of numbers. It would also help them to know your role in the campaign, eg, Service, Reservist, civilian, etc.
The Ministry of Defence is co-operating fully with the inquiry. Serving Armed Forces and MOD personnel who wish to attend the roadshows are encouraged to do so.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Iraq Inquiry - Sir John Chilcot seeking views of veterans
Sir John Chilcot has written to veterans' groups, seeking suggestions with regard to contact with veterans no longer serving in the Armed Forces.
The letter is here.
Representations to be sent to:
secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk
Note the deadline of 10 September - 2 days away. This concerns me, particularly with regard to the lack of publicity, although the attempt at outreach is most welcome. However, at this stage they appear to be taking suggestions as to how the inquiry can reach veterans, and it is suggested the inquiry may take written submissions in lieu of a meeting where this is impractical.
The letter states that the inquiry is working with the MoD with regard to the views of serving veterans. This may be subject to the Defence Notice (DIN) regarding communication with the media which could be used to suppress evidence. Parliament may wish to seek an answer from the MoD in this regard.
The letter is here.
Representations to be sent to:
secretariat@iraqinquiry.org.uk
Note the deadline of 10 September - 2 days away. This concerns me, particularly with regard to the lack of publicity, although the attempt at outreach is most welcome. However, at this stage they appear to be taking suggestions as to how the inquiry can reach veterans, and it is suggested the inquiry may take written submissions in lieu of a meeting where this is impractical.
The letter states that the inquiry is working with the MoD with regard to the views of serving veterans. This may be subject to the Defence Notice (DIN) regarding communication with the media which could be used to suppress evidence. Parliament may wish to seek an answer from the MoD in this regard.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
***IRAQ INQUIRY WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING***
http://www.iraqinquiry.org.uk/
"Our terms of reference are very broad, but the essential points, as set out by the Prime Minister and agreed by the House of Commons, are that this is an Inquiry by a committee of Privy Counsellors. It will consider the period from the summer of 2001 to the end of July 2009, embracing the run-up to the conflict in Iraq, the military action and its aftermath. We will therefore be considering the UK’s involvement in Iraq, including the way decisions were made and actions taken, to establish, as accurately as possible, what happened and to identify the lessons that can be learned. Those lessons will help ensure that, if we face similar situations in future, the government of the day is best equipped to respond to those situations in the most effective manner in the best interests of the country."
Sir John Chilcot
Chairman
The Iraq Inquiry
30th July 2009
Why is there going to be an Inquiry?
As the Prime Minister explained to the House of Commons on 15 June 2009, the purpose of the Inquiry is to identify lessons that can be learned from the Iraq conflict.
What is its remit/terms of reference?
The Inquiry has been asked to consider the period from summer 2001, before military operations began in March 2003, and the UK’s subsequent involvement in Iraq up to the end of July 2009. The Prime Minister told the House of Commons: “the Iraq Inquiry will look at the run-up to the conflict, the conflict itself and the reconstruction.” The objective is to learn the lessons from the events surrounding the conflict.
Who are the members of the Inquiry Committee?
Sir John Chilcot (Chairman), Sir Lawrence Freedman, Sir Martin Gilbert, Sir Roderic Lyne, and Baroness Usha Prashar.
Who picked the members?
The Prime Minister appointed the members of the Committee. Opposition parties were consulted.
Why don’t you have politicians on the Inquiry team?
The Committee’s membership is a matter for the Government. Sir John has, however, discussed his approach to the Inquiry with the Government, leaders of Opposition parties, Chairmen of relevant House of Commons Committees and other interested Parliamentarians. The Committee will continue to discuss the Inquiry with politicians as the Inquiry progresses.
What experts does the Inquiry have to assist it, and what experience do they have?
The Committee intends to take advice from specialist advisers with expertise in international law, military operations and post-conflict reconstruction.
Will the Inquiry say whether anybody involved in the Iraq conflict should face criminal charges?
Will it be able to apportion blame?
The Inquiry is not a court of law. The members of the Committee are not judges, and nobody is on trial. But if the Committee find that mistakes were made, that there were issues which could have been dealt with better, it will say so.
What difference will the Inquiry make?
The Inquiry will provide a reliable account of events that will help identify lessons to guide future foreign policy decision-making and decisions regarding conflict and post-conflict situations.
Why is the Inquiry being held now?
Governments decide the timings of inquiries. The Government had repeatedly said that an Inquiry should be held once combat troops had left Iraq so as not to undermine their role there. Combat troops have now withdrawn and the Government has judged this is now the right time to begin an Inquiry.
When will the Inquiry start taking evidence?
Evidence from witnesses will begin being heard in autumn 2009. Before then the Committee will be examining an extensive amount of Government papers and other written material.
Will records of proceedings be available on the Inquiry website?
The Inquiry team intends to make records of the public evidence sessions available on the website.
Will all the documentary evidence be published on the website?
The Committee intends to publish the key evidence with its report at the end of the Inquiry. It may also publish material on the website as the Inquiry progresses where this will help increase public understanding of its ongoing work.
Can members of the public and media attend hearings?
Yes, there will be seats both for the media and the public for the public evidence sessions.
What are the rules surrounding public attendance?
Members of the public will be asked to follow certain standards of behaviour, similar to those in a courtroom, although this is not a judicial inquiry. A leaflet will be given to anyone entering the hearing centre outlining these standards.
What facilities will be available for the media?
The Inquiry team will provide details in due course. Hearings will not begin until later this year.
Will the Inquiry proceedings be televised?
The Committee wants to ensure that as many people as possible have access to what is happening in the public hearings, either direct or through the media. That includes the possibility of public hearings being televised and live streaming on the internet.
When and how will the report be published?
The Committee members intend to complete their task as quickly as possible but cannot know how long the Inquiry will take until they have read the background material and heard the evidence. The Prime Minister in his statement of 15 June said that he wanted the Committee to publish its report as fully as possible, disclosing all but the most sensitive information essential to our national security. It will be published as a Parliamentary paper and debated in both Houses of Parliament.
Will it be available on the internet?
Yes.
Will all the written and oral evidence be published in the report?
It is the Committee’s intention to publish all the relevant evidence except where national security considerations prevent that.
Will there be an interim report?
If, as the Committee work through the evidence, it considers that it would be helpful to publish an interim report, it will do so. But it is more likely, given the purpose of the Inquiry – identifying lessons for the way government acts and takes decisions in the future - that its report will be a single one at the end of the Committee’s deliberations.
Will the Committee finish before the next General Election, June at the latest? (Very latest possible date, June 2010)
No. The amount of evidence to be examined and analysed means that to ensure the Inquiry is comprehensive and rigorous it will not be possible to finish before June 2010.
Have any witnesses been granted anonymity for this Inquiry?
So far, no-one has been identified as a witness. There may be a small number of people whom the Inquiry decides it would be inappropriate to identify.
How much of the evidence will be given in private?
Sir John Chilcot has made clear his desire for as much as possible of the proceedings to be held in public, consistent with the need to protect national security and ensure that the terms of reference are fulfilled to the fullest extent.
How will the Inquiry decide whether evidence should be given in private?
The Committee’s guiding principle is to establish a reliable account of what happened. The treatment of witnesses will be determined, on a case by case basis, by its best judgement on how to do that.
Whom will the Inquiry call to give evidence?
The people the Committee invites to give evidence will be those it judges, having considered the material before it, are best placed to supply the information it needs to conduct its task thoroughly. As the Inquiry progresses it will become clear to whom it needs to speak.
Will names of witnesses be provided in advance?
The Inquiry will publish on its website a timetable for forthcoming public hearing sessions.
How is the Government cooperating with the Inquiry?
As the Prime Minister told the House, the Inquiry can ask for any document and no UK witness will be beyond the scope of the Inquiry. The Government has assured the Inquiry of the full cooperation of the relevant Departments.
Will the Inquiry look into issues that are being considered by other proceedings outside this Inquiry?
There may be issues that are subject to other ongoing proceedings – for example, legal proceedings or police investigations - on which it would not be appropriate for this Inquiry to comment. We will decide this on a case-by-case basis, and subject to legal advice.
Does the inquiry have a Freedom of Information policy?
The Inquiry, itself, is not a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, so the Act does not apply. However, in addition to its hearings being open to the public and the media wherever possible, the Inquiry's website will contain transcripts of public hearings and other key information relating to the work of the Inquiry.
How much will the Inquiry cost/how much is the budget?
The Government has assured the Committee that it will have the resources it needs to do its job properly. At the same time, it is determined to ensure that it runs the Inquiry efficiently and does not waste public money.
"Our terms of reference are very broad, but the essential points, as set out by the Prime Minister and agreed by the House of Commons, are that this is an Inquiry by a committee of Privy Counsellors. It will consider the period from the summer of 2001 to the end of July 2009, embracing the run-up to the conflict in Iraq, the military action and its aftermath. We will therefore be considering the UK’s involvement in Iraq, including the way decisions were made and actions taken, to establish, as accurately as possible, what happened and to identify the lessons that can be learned. Those lessons will help ensure that, if we face similar situations in future, the government of the day is best equipped to respond to those situations in the most effective manner in the best interests of the country."
Sir John Chilcot
Chairman
The Iraq Inquiry
30th July 2009
Why is there going to be an Inquiry?
As the Prime Minister explained to the House of Commons on 15 June 2009, the purpose of the Inquiry is to identify lessons that can be learned from the Iraq conflict.
What is its remit/terms of reference?
The Inquiry has been asked to consider the period from summer 2001, before military operations began in March 2003, and the UK’s subsequent involvement in Iraq up to the end of July 2009. The Prime Minister told the House of Commons: “the Iraq Inquiry will look at the run-up to the conflict, the conflict itself and the reconstruction.” The objective is to learn the lessons from the events surrounding the conflict.
Who are the members of the Inquiry Committee?
Sir John Chilcot (Chairman), Sir Lawrence Freedman, Sir Martin Gilbert, Sir Roderic Lyne, and Baroness Usha Prashar.
Who picked the members?
The Prime Minister appointed the members of the Committee. Opposition parties were consulted.
Why don’t you have politicians on the Inquiry team?
The Committee’s membership is a matter for the Government. Sir John has, however, discussed his approach to the Inquiry with the Government, leaders of Opposition parties, Chairmen of relevant House of Commons Committees and other interested Parliamentarians. The Committee will continue to discuss the Inquiry with politicians as the Inquiry progresses.
What experts does the Inquiry have to assist it, and what experience do they have?
The Committee intends to take advice from specialist advisers with expertise in international law, military operations and post-conflict reconstruction.
Will the Inquiry say whether anybody involved in the Iraq conflict should face criminal charges?
Will it be able to apportion blame?
The Inquiry is not a court of law. The members of the Committee are not judges, and nobody is on trial. But if the Committee find that mistakes were made, that there were issues which could have been dealt with better, it will say so.
What difference will the Inquiry make?
The Inquiry will provide a reliable account of events that will help identify lessons to guide future foreign policy decision-making and decisions regarding conflict and post-conflict situations.
Why is the Inquiry being held now?
Governments decide the timings of inquiries. The Government had repeatedly said that an Inquiry should be held once combat troops had left Iraq so as not to undermine their role there. Combat troops have now withdrawn and the Government has judged this is now the right time to begin an Inquiry.
When will the Inquiry start taking evidence?
Evidence from witnesses will begin being heard in autumn 2009. Before then the Committee will be examining an extensive amount of Government papers and other written material.
Will records of proceedings be available on the Inquiry website?
The Inquiry team intends to make records of the public evidence sessions available on the website.
Will all the documentary evidence be published on the website?
The Committee intends to publish the key evidence with its report at the end of the Inquiry. It may also publish material on the website as the Inquiry progresses where this will help increase public understanding of its ongoing work.
Can members of the public and media attend hearings?
Yes, there will be seats both for the media and the public for the public evidence sessions.
What are the rules surrounding public attendance?
Members of the public will be asked to follow certain standards of behaviour, similar to those in a courtroom, although this is not a judicial inquiry. A leaflet will be given to anyone entering the hearing centre outlining these standards.
What facilities will be available for the media?
The Inquiry team will provide details in due course. Hearings will not begin until later this year.
Will the Inquiry proceedings be televised?
The Committee wants to ensure that as many people as possible have access to what is happening in the public hearings, either direct or through the media. That includes the possibility of public hearings being televised and live streaming on the internet.
When and how will the report be published?
The Committee members intend to complete their task as quickly as possible but cannot know how long the Inquiry will take until they have read the background material and heard the evidence. The Prime Minister in his statement of 15 June said that he wanted the Committee to publish its report as fully as possible, disclosing all but the most sensitive information essential to our national security. It will be published as a Parliamentary paper and debated in both Houses of Parliament.
Will it be available on the internet?
Yes.
Will all the written and oral evidence be published in the report?
It is the Committee’s intention to publish all the relevant evidence except where national security considerations prevent that.
Will there be an interim report?
If, as the Committee work through the evidence, it considers that it would be helpful to publish an interim report, it will do so. But it is more likely, given the purpose of the Inquiry – identifying lessons for the way government acts and takes decisions in the future - that its report will be a single one at the end of the Committee’s deliberations.
Will the Committee finish before the next General Election, June at the latest? (Very latest possible date, June 2010)
No. The amount of evidence to be examined and analysed means that to ensure the Inquiry is comprehensive and rigorous it will not be possible to finish before June 2010.
Have any witnesses been granted anonymity for this Inquiry?
So far, no-one has been identified as a witness. There may be a small number of people whom the Inquiry decides it would be inappropriate to identify.
How much of the evidence will be given in private?
Sir John Chilcot has made clear his desire for as much as possible of the proceedings to be held in public, consistent with the need to protect national security and ensure that the terms of reference are fulfilled to the fullest extent.
How will the Inquiry decide whether evidence should be given in private?
The Committee’s guiding principle is to establish a reliable account of what happened. The treatment of witnesses will be determined, on a case by case basis, by its best judgement on how to do that.
Whom will the Inquiry call to give evidence?
The people the Committee invites to give evidence will be those it judges, having considered the material before it, are best placed to supply the information it needs to conduct its task thoroughly. As the Inquiry progresses it will become clear to whom it needs to speak.
Will names of witnesses be provided in advance?
The Inquiry will publish on its website a timetable for forthcoming public hearing sessions.
How is the Government cooperating with the Inquiry?
As the Prime Minister told the House, the Inquiry can ask for any document and no UK witness will be beyond the scope of the Inquiry. The Government has assured the Inquiry of the full cooperation of the relevant Departments.
Will the Inquiry look into issues that are being considered by other proceedings outside this Inquiry?
There may be issues that are subject to other ongoing proceedings – for example, legal proceedings or police investigations - on which it would not be appropriate for this Inquiry to comment. We will decide this on a case-by-case basis, and subject to legal advice.
Does the inquiry have a Freedom of Information policy?
The Inquiry, itself, is not a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, so the Act does not apply. However, in addition to its hearings being open to the public and the media wherever possible, the Inquiry's website will contain transcripts of public hearings and other key information relating to the work of the Inquiry.
How much will the Inquiry cost/how much is the budget?
The Government has assured the Committee that it will have the resources it needs to do its job properly. At the same time, it is determined to ensure that it runs the Inquiry efficiently and does not waste public money.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Sunday 2 August - Commentary
The inquiry is some way off, but the commentators are filling up the column inches. Here's the pick of the day:
Mail on Sunday: reckons the Iraq inquiry will look again at the death of Dr David Kelly. I hope otherwise - the death of Dr Kelly is a matter for a proper inquest, including the unanswered questions in the wake of Hutton.
The Sunday Telegraph: Matthew d'Ancona reckons Blair will slither away unscathed based on his Hutton performance. I hope otherwise - most commentators would probably agree that Blair's evidence was not tested and that Hutton steered clear of many of the matters that Chilcott should be considering. There's more evidence out there now than then, and Blair no longer poses the awkward constitutional position of being prime minister, as he did at the time of Hutton.
Plenty of commentary and the inquiry hasn't even started properly! Long may it continue....
Mail on Sunday: reckons the Iraq inquiry will look again at the death of Dr David Kelly. I hope otherwise - the death of Dr Kelly is a matter for a proper inquest, including the unanswered questions in the wake of Hutton.
The Sunday Telegraph: Matthew d'Ancona reckons Blair will slither away unscathed based on his Hutton performance. I hope otherwise - most commentators would probably agree that Blair's evidence was not tested and that Hutton steered clear of many of the matters that Chilcott should be considering. There's more evidence out there now than then, and Blair no longer poses the awkward constitutional position of being prime minister, as he did at the time of Hutton.
Plenty of commentary and the inquiry hasn't even started properly! Long may it continue....
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Scope of Inquiry
Sir John Chilcot's press conference ongoing.
From what he has said so far, and at first glance, it looks thorough enough to make certain parties nervous.
- It may be televised
- Blair (and others) will be called
- Military and legal advisers will be named later
- The committee will not shy away from making criticisms
The line of questioning of the media may well set the agenda for commentary: if so, the focus is very much on the decision to go to war, the role of Blair and the cabinet, political decision-making ("absolutely central" to the inquiry), the legal advice.
This will make a very uncomfortable time for the government - unless there is a willingness to try and draw a line under the Iraq War, to enable the Labour party to make a clean break from the past, without any further accusations of whitewash.
The conclusions may also be drawn up for a Conservative government and a Conservative dominated parliament, with a very different Labour party in opposition. The inquiry may well just be the start of the difficulties of Blair and others....
This all assumes that Chilcot's promises of openness are not a temporary ruse and that most of the inquiry does not go on behind closed doors and avoids the critical questions....but I don't think the media and public will stand for that. Every closed door will generate a headline, now that the expectation is of openness.
From what he has said so far, and at first glance, it looks thorough enough to make certain parties nervous.
- It may be televised
- Blair (and others) will be called
- Military and legal advisers will be named later
- The committee will not shy away from making criticisms
The line of questioning of the media may well set the agenda for commentary: if so, the focus is very much on the decision to go to war, the role of Blair and the cabinet, political decision-making ("absolutely central" to the inquiry), the legal advice.
This will make a very uncomfortable time for the government - unless there is a willingness to try and draw a line under the Iraq War, to enable the Labour party to make a clean break from the past, without any further accusations of whitewash.
The conclusions may also be drawn up for a Conservative government and a Conservative dominated parliament, with a very different Labour party in opposition. The inquiry may well just be the start of the difficulties of Blair and others....
This all assumes that Chilcot's promises of openness are not a temporary ruse and that most of the inquiry does not go on behind closed doors and avoids the critical questions....but I don't think the media and public will stand for that. Every closed door will generate a headline, now that the expectation is of openness.
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