MoD Iraq study ‘suppressed’
By Ian Dunt
A highly critical study into the circumstances surrounding the invasion of Iraq has been suppressed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), according to media reports.
The Guardian alleged today that the study, by Lt Gen Chris Brown, was suppressed by the UK’s top defence officials.
It is understood to have been highly critical of the failure to properly prepare for the invasion and its aftermath.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, chief of the defence staff, is understood to have thought the report was too critical even for internal use, but the Chilcott Inquiry into the war has made it clear it expects to see the report.
“The inquiry is aware of the MoD’s internal study of lessons learned in Iraq,” it said in a statement.
“We do not comment on specific documents we hold but, as we said before, the inquiry is confident that it will be given access to all relevant government documents.”
Lt Gen Brown was the last British military representative in Baghdad in 2009.
The Chilcott Inquiry’s findings were set to be reported after the general election so they did not affect the result, but it is not known exactly when the final report will be published. A second round of witness testimonies has yet to take place.
