Iraq war, Chilcot inquiry debate, John McDonnell speech, 24 June 09

This debate showed the British Parliament at both its best and its worst. On the one hand around 20 MPs delivered well researched, eloquently worded, and passionately delivered speeches. The vast majority where highly critical of the governments proposed Iraq enquiry.
They expressed strong doubts about the credentials of those chosen by the government to lead the inquiry, sighting one as having been directly involved in trying to push through a second UN resolution permitting an invasion of Iraq. Another had been involved in the Hutton inquiry (regarded by some as a whitewash). A third (a Historian) has publicly compared Bush and Blair to Roosevelt and Churchill.
They pointed to the absence of specialists with cross examination skills, with first hand experience of working in the military, or in parliament.
They pointed out that this inquiry would be unable to place witnesses under any form of legally binding oath.
Etc etc
In short they made it clear that the governments proposed inquiry would not be fit for purpose, and could not hope satisfy the majority British public.
Most of the speakers wanted more time and consultation given to setting up a more credible Inquiry. They were denied this by a large group of Labour back benchers, most of whom where not even present for most of the debate, and who I suspect of being more interested in their careers than allowing us all to learn the facts about what was done in our name in Iraq.
To those who voted to support the governments sorry excuse for an enquiry I say: shame on you.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Iraq war inquiry debate
• John McDonnell
• Iraq war
• Chilcot Inquiry
• 24th June 09
• Sir John Chilcot
• 24/6/09
• parliament
• debate
• speech
• inquiry
• Iraq

[Ilikenuman]

Macdonnel is one hell of an MP, perhaps one of the only OLD Labour members left.

[yordel2]

John is one of the more impressive speakers on the backbenches. I can't imagine the likes of Hoon or Blears being able to speak so passionately for as long as John does on a fairly regular basis.