Abstract

UK Sideshow to Iraq

The article focuses on the revelations resulting from Northern Ireland former chief justice Lord Hutton's investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of British government expert on chemical and biological weapons David Kelly. Though the inquiry focuses on Kelly's personal tragedy than questions of policy, it has lifted the veil of Britain's official secrecy. The inquiry managed to elicit a number of admissions from Prime Minister Tony Blair and his ministers regarding the outing of Kelly as the source of a controversial report about government intelligence. Alastair Campbell also admitted his involvement in the drafting of the Iraq dossier to make the case for war. Some truly damaging questions, however, remain unanswered.