Archive for 'Process' Category
Growing dissatisfaction over delays
By Chris Ames The BBC reports that: Peers have called for a speedy conclusion to the Iraq Inquiry amid growing dissatisfaction with the length of time it is taking to report. Former Conservative Foreign Secretary Lord Hurd called on ministers to “inject some urgency” into proceedings. Labour peer Lord Morris called for a “time limit” [...]
Inquiry to challenge official line, Independent claims
by Chris Ames The Independent is reporting that: The inquiry into how Tony Blair committed Britain to war in Iraq is set to challenge the official version of events when it reports later this year, The Independent understands. The team led by Sir John Chilcot, which is examining Britain’s part in the US-led invasion, will [...]
Prescott: war cannot be justified
by Chris Ames The BBC reports this morning that The invasion of Iraq in 2003 “cannot be justified”, Lord Prescott – who was then deputy prime minister – has said. He told BBC One’s This Week he had backed the Iraq War because he believed George Bush had a plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [...]
MP asks for Iraq War debate
by Chris Ames The Keighley News reports that: Keighley’s MP [Kris Hopkins] has called for a full parliamentary debate on the circumstances leading up to the Iraq war that began nearly a decade ago. [...] Addressing leader of the house Andrew Lansley, Mr Hopkins asked: “Will you facilitate a debate on this important issue?” Responding, [...]
Just get on with it!
by Chris Ames In today’s Observer, Catherine Bennett has a piece headed “Chilcot’s continuing silence on Iraq is an affront to us all”. The gist of the piece is not just frustration at the continuing delays, noticeable as the tenth anniversary of the invasion approaches, but a refusal to accept Chilcot’s excuses, including the suggestion [...]
Inquiry delay questioned in the House of Lords
by Andrew Mason The BBC has reported on concerns expressed yesterday in the House of Lords about the “considerable delay” in the publication of the conclusions of the Iraq Inquiry without making any reference whatsoever to a key element of the parliamentary oral question asked by Lord Dykes. Iraq: Chilcot Inquiry Question To ask Her [...]
New moves towards Australian Iraq inquiry
by Andrew Mason A group of leading Australians have now started a campaign to gain a full inquiry into their country’s participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Their reasoning for this move has been set out in a newly published booklet – Why Did We Go to War in Iraq? A call for an [...]
March 2003 Cabinet minutes vetoed again
by Andrew Mason The Information Commissioner’s Office has now issued a statement following today’s announced decision by Attorney General Dominic Grieve to veto for the second time the release of the March 13/17 2003 Cabinet meeting minutes. The Information Commissioner required the Cabinet Office to disclose the withheld information to the complainant within 35 calendar [...]
Statement on Blair/Bush FOI request status
by Andrew Mason Whilst researching for a new post about Stephen Plowden’s FOIA first-tier tribunal appeal decision, which itself now appears to be the subject of a further appeal process by the FCO, I have just come across the following, which was published on 24 July: Statement by Stephen Plowden If the Foreign & Commonwealth [...]
Report delayed again
by Chris Ames The Inquiry has published a new explanation of where it is up to with its report, the gist of which is that: The Inquiry has advised the Prime Minister that it will be in a position to begin the process of writing to any individuals that may be criticised by the middle [...]