Chilcot promises open Iraq inquiry
Updated on 22 June 2009
Sir John Chilcot, who is heading the inquiry into the Iraq war, tells Gordon Brown that much of the proceedings will be now held "in public."
When Gordon Brown announced the inquiry into the Iraq war he said hearings would be held in private.
Then, after protests, he changed his tune, saying the head of the inquiry, Sir John Chilcot, would be able to decide if some of the hearings were in public.
Sir John has now made his decision, telling the prime minister it is "essential to hold as much of the proceedings of the inquiry as possible in public".
In a letter to Gordon Brown, he said he would consult with opposition party leaders and senior MPs before deciding the exact format of the inquiry.
But he told Mr Brown: "More broadly, I believe it will be essential to hold as much of the proceedings of the inquiry as possible in public, consistent with the need to protect national security and to ensure and enable complete candour in the oral and written evidence from witnesses."
Mr Brown initially said that the inquiry would be held behind closed doors but then announced some evidence could be taken in public following an outcry over the secrecy.
