INQUIRY INTO IRAQ MUST BE "BROAD" - KEETCH

3.05.20pm GMT Wed 4th Feb 2004

Herefords MP Paul Keetch says the proposed inquiry into the Iraq War must be in the broadest terms. Mr Keetch, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary has revealed that Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, wrote to the Prime Minister last night about the terms of any proposed inquiry.

" I am glad that at last, the Prime Minister has acknowledged that it is essential to address the unanswered questions raised by the continuing absence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq", said Mr Keetch.

"Charles Kennedy is right to press for the inquiry to cover the political decisions which led up to the war and issues relating to the quality of the intelligence on which the decisions were based.

"The Liberal Democrats have been seeking an inquiry into this broad remit for many months. Unlike the Conservatives, who supported an invasion of Iraq even before any evidence was produced, we always questioned the Government on this issue. It should be established now to report as soon as possible."

In his letter, Charles Kennedy sets out a remit for the inquiry. It should take into account the intelligence material, the workings of government and the political decisions which resulted.

He says such an inquiry should be open and transparent with access to all relevant people and documents and led by a figure or figures guaranteed to ensure public trust, who are outside active party politics.

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Full text of letter:

The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister, 10 Downing St, London, SW1

2 February 2004

Dear Prime Minister,

I understand from this morning's media coverage that you now acknowledge the need for an independent inquiry into the intelligence basis on which our country went to war in Iraq.

In welcoming this development, I would urge that any such inquiry must address the following:-

1. The quality of intelligence available;

2. The relationship between the government and the intelligence services - and the subsequent presentation of that intelligence;

3. The political judgements based on that intelligence which led us to go to war in Iraq.

It is also imperative that any such inquiry be conducted openly and transparently, with access to all relevant people and documents.

The inquiry should be led by a figure or figures guaranteed to ensure public trust, who are outside active party politics.

The presumption must be that evidence will be taken in public unless any compromise of national security is involved.

I look forward to your response in due course.

Yours sincerely,

The Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP