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Sir John Chilcot

There are two procedural issues with the new UK Iraq War Inquiry which severely limit it’s ability to robustly investigate the issues surrounding the British involvement in the war. There are also two further issues which should set alarm bells ringing for observers and those concerned about possible findings.

UK Border Limitations

The inquiry is limited to asking for UK witnesses and documents. It cannot compel witnesses to attend, nor government departments to give up their documentation. It may ask witnesses to give evidence under oath but it cannot compel them to do so.

Panel Selection

The panel of the inquiry is made up of five members; Chairman: Sir John Chilcot, Former diplomat Sir Roderick Lyne, Sir Martin Gilbert, Sir Lawrence Freedman, Baroness Prashar. All have distinguished careers behind them mostly made up of academic work, work for the government or civil service and, later on, chairmanships and directorships for various companies and organisations. Their cosy position within government and establishment roles raises suspitions among some that they may not possess the necessary independence of world view to challenge the policy of their former employer.

Exchange with the Prime Minister

On Monday, Gordon Brown said the inquiry would be conducted in private for reasons of national security. On Thursday, Sir John Chilcot announced that as much as possible would be conducted in public. Journalists then reported that he was showing his independence from the government. Gordon Brown then said through a spokesman he didn’t mind. The whole charade appeared to be orchestrated to point to the desired headline “Iraq Inquiry Won’t Be a Whitewash”.

Timing

The inquiry won’t publish its results in time for the next general election. Therefore, New Labour gets the political capital of appearing to allow a free and fair investigation without having to face the consequences in an election.