Billericay MP’s bid to open up Iraq war inquiry fails (From Echo)

Billericay MP’s bid to open up Iraq war inquiry fails

1:30pm Friday 26th June 2009 in

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MP John Baron spoke in a Commons debate over the proposed Iraq inquiry.

He commented in support of a Conservative motion calling for the new probe to be held in public, with a wider membership than suggested by the Government.

Mr Baron, MP for Billericay and districts, said: “The anger many people still feel about the way we were misled into an illegal war can only be addressed by a full inquiry taking evidence in public and on oath with a power to summon witnesses and papers.

“Anything less is destined to be yet another whitewash. This is our last chance to get it right.

“On key issues such as how the discredited 45 minutes claim came to be included in the Iraq dossier, the Government has a track record of hiding behind secret evidence sessions and exemptions from freedom of information.”

The MP added there was little doubt spin doctors, not just civil servants as is normal practice, had helped compile the dossier to MPs that made the case for going to war. He said: “We know spin doctors were involved, but still do not know who or why.”

The minor parties and some Labour backbenchers supported the Tory motion, but the Government won the vote 299 to 260.