Chilcot will exonerate, insiders expect |

Tuesday 24th November 2009 | 14:31

Chilcot will exonerate, insiders expect

A majority of MPs, journalists and other political insiders expect the Chilcot inquiry to conclude that the government acted in good faith on the Iraq war

As the inquiry into the Iraq war opens today with a robust reassurance from Sir John Chilcot that it will not be a whitewash, the expectation within Westminster is that it will conclude that the government acted in good faith over the war.

The PoliticsHome Phi100, a cross-partisan panel of political experts and insiders – comprising MPs, journalists, think tank heads, strategists and academics – were asked their views on what conclusion they predict the inquiry will reach.

A narrow majority of panellists (fifty four per cent) expect the inquiry to conclude overall that the government acted in good faith.

This view was held across the political spectrum, with the exception of Liberal Democrat panellists.

A much smaller section of the panel (twenty four per cent) predict that it will decide there were serious breaches of good faith at the highest levels of government.

Twenty four per cent thought that neither of these conclusions would be reached.

This morning Chilcot stressed that the purpose of the inquiry is not to determine guilt or innocence, but said: “We will not shy away from making criticisms... where they are truly warranted.”

A right-leaning media panellist said: ‘They will avoid whitewash but refrain from outright indictment.’

A left-leaning thought leader also expected a conclusion of ‘good faith’, ‘....but with hints that they could and should have done better.’

A Tory MP said: ‘Can't possibly say until we hear the evidence.’

Leave a comment...

Anna

15:26 |
24 Nov 2009
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3

So that's that then.

Disorganised1

15:36 |
24 Nov 2009
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5

What does good faith mean ?

Does it mean - yes they lied through their teeth but it was all with the best intentions ?

If so then its not bloody good enough ~ a great many of us think that lieing to Parliament and taking us into an illegal war is treason. I'm sure Wat Tyler had good faith !

Chris

17:58 |
24 Nov 2009
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5

I believe there will be no accountability and the government will be let off the hook. Only a proper public inquiry will do with witnesses compelled to attend, with evidence under oath, and with the opportunity for rigorous cross examination of witnesses by those with the necessary legal expertise. Unless this happens the truth will not be found and there will be no accountability. It goes without saying that this has very serious implications for our trust in government and the democratic process. I believe the electorate feels it has been treated with contempt.

Silent Hunter

18:18 |
24 Nov 2009
Recommended
2

Well they should know! LOL

They're all part of the same Westminster Village "team".

Has the Labour Government WHITEWASH lorry arrived at the back entrance of the enquiry HQ yet?

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