The Chilcot Inquiry is back, and with bang not a whimper. In his opening statement, Sir
John said:
Chilcot had similar problems with the previous administration; but, then again, this is supposed to the era of New Politics and Nick Clegg has been particularly outspoken on the need for transparent public inquiries. Paul Waugh asks the question: did Sir Gus O’Donnell talk to the Prime Minister and his Deputy about this decision? The Cabinet Office denies that he did.‘There is one area where, I am sorry to say, it has not been possible to reach agreement with the government. The papers we hold include the notes which Prime Minister Blair sent to President Bush and the records of their discussions. The Inquiry recognises the privileged nature of those exchanges but, exceptionally, we sought disclosure of key extracts which illuminate Prime Minister Blair’s positions at critical points. The Cabinet Office did not agree this disclosure. On 10 December last year, in accordance with the Protocol, I asked the Cabinet Secretary to review that decision. I also made it clear that, if we could not reach agreement, I would publish the correspondence between us. I am doing so today. The Inquiry is disappointed that the Cabinet Secretary was not willing to accede to its request. This means that in a narrow but important area the Inquiry may not always be able to publish as fully as it would wish the evidential basis for some of its comments and conclusions.’
The Chilcot Inquiry is the setting for New Labour’s bloody divorce – acerbic quips and subtly vicious asides characterised last year’s round of evidence. That will surely continue. But Chilcot will also affect the coalition. Aside from the transparency issue, Tony Blair’s appearance will allow the Liberal Democrats to reprise their favourite meme. ‘The Illegal Iraq War’ might give them some much needed impetus.
UPDATE: Number 10 now says that the Inquiry has access to these documents, but cannot refer to them open hearings.
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