Parliament Must Make Its Voice Heard on Iraq Inquiry – Campbell (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Parliament Must Make Its Voice Heard on Iraq Inquiry – Campbell

June 24, 2009 11:12 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Speaking ahead of today's high profile Commons debate on the Government's proposed Iraq Inquiry, North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell said: "Today the House of Commons has a chance to add its voice to those demanding the Government reverse its decision to hold the Inquiry into Iraq in private.

"By indicating his wish to hold as much as possible of the Inquiry in public, Sir John Chilcot, the Chairman, has made it impossible for the Government to press ahead with an inquiry conducted behind closed doors. Only the most sensitive information should be heard in private. The abiding principle should be that Government embarrassment and the national interest are two entirely separate issues.

"Given the nature of the Inquiry and the issues it will be examining it is vital that someone with a military background is present on the Inquiry. From the very start the Iraq war was politicised and highly controversial so it is my belief there should be a political appointment to the Committee also.

"The public have lost confidence in Parliament. This is a chance for a fresh start."

Notes:

On Wednesday 24th June the House of Commons will debate a motion proposed by the Conservatives on the subject of the Government's Iraq Inquiry.