HUTTON II? WMD inquiry will be stifled like Kelly quiz
London Mirror
THE inquiry into Iraq's missing weapons of mass destruction looks set to be as limited as Lord Hutton's investigation into the death of Dr David Kelly.
The Hutton Inquiry was not allowed to look at the use of intelligence.
And "Hutton II" is expected to be barred from investigating political judgments on the intelligence, which led to war.
Instead, it is likely to focus on the quality of intelligence provided by MI6 and MI5 before the invasion.
The Prime Minister will bow to massive pressure and give details of the WMD inquiry shortly after 9am this morning.
Mr Blair will make the announcement while he is being quizzed by senior MPs at his annual appearance before the Commons liaison committee.
Last night a No10 spokeswoman said it was thought "more appropriate" for the PM to reveal the details in front of the committee. The Government, which has for weeks claimed no inquiry was necessary, was forced into the move when President Bush ordered an inquiry into US intelligence shortcomings.
Downing Street was finalising details last night but was expected to keep the inquiry's terms of reference as tight as possible to limit potential embarrassment.
Both Tory leader Michael Howard and the Lib Dem's Charles Kennedy are demanding the inquiry examines the political use of the intelligence as well as the reliability of the information itself.
Former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said last night: "It would be grotesque if the intelligence agencies were made to carry the can for what ultimately was a political decision."
The inquiry is expected to be along the lines of the Commons Intelligence and Security Committee. Under an independent chairman, it will be made up of MPs from the three main parties. |
