Lib Dems call for full public inquiry into Iraq War

Kent Liberal Democrats are demanding that the likely inquiry into the question of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq be as wide as possible. It is rumoured that the inquiry may be limited to investigating the quality of the intelligence itself. The Lib Dems are saying that any inquiry must cover the issue of how that intelligence was handled, interpreted and presented.

Shepway Lib Dem Peter Carroll said, 'Nearly all those involved now admit that there are no WMD in Iraq. Britain went to war on an entirely false premise. The intelligence services operate in a difficult and demanding environment. It is the politicians who make the ultimate decisions. It would be outrageous if the intelligence services were blamed for the decision to go to war when this lies with the politicians'.

Peter Carroll added, 'There is a feeling that the Government demanded that the intelligence be made to fit the case for war - rather than the politicians deciding on what to do based on the intelligence. The need for a full and open inquiry is urgent'.