Iraq Inquiry Starts Tomorrow

Sir John Chilcot kicks off the non judgemental inquiry from tomorrow, in order to identify lessons that can be learnt from Iraq. Of course we wouldn't want to pass judgement on anyone, as that would mean taking responsibility for actions and events.

There is one upside to this is with no position of power to protect him and Labour facing the losing the election next year, Blair has reason to feel a little nervous. The Tories could shift the goal posts, if public opinion strongly shifts against Blair and New Labour in light of what will be disclosed.

It's the hope I hold on to at least. As someone who strongly believes in the rule of law, the fundamental principle that the law is above everyone and it applies to everyone. There little more distasteful to me than seeing Bush and Blair prance about on the world stage while blood covers their hands. They made a mockery of parliament, they made a mockery of democracy. That's before you even consider the human cost and how on earth can that be measured.

Lest we forget.

Parliament Loose Vote on Iraq Inquiry

The Tories used their opposition day to debate and vote on the Iraq Inquiry being heard in public, their motion was defeated 39 votes. This is of course a debate the government should have had in order to set out the remit of the inquiry, yet alas just created a mess of it.

As a nice touch the government added an amendment, welcoming it's announcement of the "wide ranging and independent" inquiry and was won by 54 votes. They certainly "get it".

Brown Signalling U-Turning on Iraq Inquiry

Only three days after saying the inquiry into Iraq would be held behind closed doors. Brown is opening the doors slightly, while pretending he never said anything as awful as it would be held in private. Quietly passing the buck to Sir John Chilcot heading the inquiry, by saying it was up to Chilcot to consider how the precise format of the inquiry should be structured.

It does make you wonder if Brown or Labour think anything through before making statements. All of this could have been avoided by talking to a broader range of people. Having an inner circle may protect you, but when you're only talking to each other it limits your greater understanding.

There is still however no mention that the Iraq inquiry will cover the torture allegations surrounding the government. Philipe Sands QC has written an article that outlines what is known against international law. It concerns me that this government not only may have been complicit in torture, but they may still be. As Churchill succinctly said:

the use of instruments of torture can never be regarded by any decent person as synonymous with justice.

Surely if "lessons are to be learnt" how intelligence is obtained, given not only it's legal ramification, both in ability to prosecute and our obligations under international law. But also wider influence on foreign policy and moral standing, shouldn't just be swept under the carpet.

BrownWash on Iraq - Update

Following on my emails to campaign groups, general consensus seems to be considering their options. Political opposition from the Lib Dems, Tories and Labour Backbenchers, from the stories today seem to be the first step. The Tories are holding an opposition day debate and hope to defeat the government next Wednesday. Senior military and intelligence officers I'm very heartened to see have condemned Brown's cover up today too.

If parliament fails to win on Wednesday I don't honesty see why a protest isn't the right thing to do. As it's not whether you agree or disagree about going into Iraq, it's the simple principle of - no more lies. This isn't just about the inquiry it's so much more than that. It's that huge dividing line, one rule for politicians and another for us. It's about this not ending the same way it began, in secretly and lies. To not focus on the wrongs only "what can be learnt" is a Brownwash.

There is a big difference between the Falklands and Iraq, everyone knows why Britain launched the Falklands War. This needs a different inquiry, it is a different situation, no one invaded British territory far from it, we invaded another country. I accept some people giving evidence may need to keep their identities secret, yet why is it beyond anyone to find a balance with a part public and part private inquiry?

Gordon "Liar" Brown in Cover up on Iraq Inquiry

In a follow up to my post on Brown announcing an inquiry into Iraq, he did it today and it will be completely in private, with the extra slap in the face of Sir Martin Gilbert appointed to the committee, a man who compared Bush and Blair to Roosevelt and Churchill. More disgusting lies from this government, 6 years for that, it's an insult to everyone. I guess reform only happens when it doesn't actually amount to change or discredit anyone. Screw you too Brown.

I'm in the process of contacting numerous campaign groups to see if they will be arranging a protest in response. I'll post on any planned once I know.

Brown to Announce Iraq War Inquiry

At long last Labour are to announce an Iraq war inquiry. It's thought that it will examine the circumstances leading up to joining the US-led invasion in March 2003 and its aftermath. I hope in light of all the torture allegations, it will also focus on Britain's involvement in them, the thought that the government had no idea people were being tortured for 6 years is ridiculous.

An inquiry wasn't going to be announced until August after all British soldiers left Iraq, yet Brown in an attempt to improve relations with rebel backbenchers and those that opposed the Iraq war has bought it forward. The other factor here is by starting it off Labour get some control over it, if the Tories win the election and start an inquiry they have no need not to be completely open and honest. As it won't be them that revelations will be a problem for.

The inquiry itself is expected to be based on the Franks inquiry. This consisted of six senior privy ­councillors who had full access to government papers but who met in secret.

Two things about that are concerning firstly, who will be the six senior privy ­councillors? Secondly if it's to be held in secret, then what's the point? No one wants more secrets and lies from this government. So I hope the announcement expected this week, will reflect the transparency and reform Labour keep banging on about.