The Iraq inquiry : ninth report of session 2008-09, report, together with formal minutes

In this Report, "The Iraq Inquiry (HC 721)", the Committee welcomes the Government's announcement that an inquiry into Iraq will be held, that it will have a broad scope, and that it will aim to learn lessons from the decision to go to war, the conflict and its aftermath.

There is, however, a strong risk that the inquiry as currently constituted will not be able to pursue what should be its fundamental purpose: to identify the truth and ensure that the executive can be held properly accountable for its decisions and conduct in relation to Iraq.

This fundamental purpose should be encapsulated within the inquiry's formal terms of reference.

The Committee recommends that consideration be given to splitting the inquiry into two stages: the first to concentrate on the British decision to go to war; and the second to consider the broader lessons from the conflict and its aftermath.

The need for effective accountability and public confidence demands that the inquiry be conducted as openly and publicly as possible and the Government should reconsider its decision to conduct the inquiry in private. The Iraq inquiry is a unique opportunity to explore issues about which there has been significant public disquiet for some time.

Only if the inquiry is conducted in a manner which is legitimate and credible and is seen to be so will the public be assured that it is not a whitewash.

It is welcomed that there is to be an inquiry. But it is the wrong kind of inquiry, decided and announced in the wrong kind of way.

This key opportunity to restore public confidence should not be missed.