WMD inquiry to meet in private
The inquiry set up to examine pre-war intelligence on Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction is to meet behind close doors.
The Butler Inquiry committee – which met on Wednesday – said it would consult in private to ensure impartiality.
Evidence gathering will begin in April, with a report drawn up before the summer parliamentary recess.
The inquiry will assess organisational decisions rather than the actions of individuals.
Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Sir Menzies Campbell complained about the limited remit of the report.
Sir Menzies said: “This entirely predictable announcement justifies the Liberal Democrat decision not to endorse, nor provide a member for, the Butler review.
“Given the limited remit which the prime minister insisted upon, Lord Butler and his colleagues could hardly do otherwise.”
