UK Gov't Accused of Cover-Up over Iraq War Minutes

[babylonsister]

UK Gov't Accused of Cover-Up over Iraq War Minutes


LONDON - The government said Tuesday it would veto publication of minutes from ministerial discussions about the legality of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, immediately drawing accusations of a cover-up.

Anti-war campaigners believe the minutes may conceal damaging information about how then prime minister Tony Blair's government reached the decision to support the US-led invasion.

However, current Prime Minister Gordon Brown's administration fears publishing the minutes may hinder ministers' ability to speak freely at confidential weekly Cabinet meetings.

"Confidentiality serves to promote thorough decision-making," Justice Secretary Jack Straw told parliament's lower House of Commons.

"Disclosure of the Cabinet minutes in this case jeopardises that space for thought and debate at precisely the point where it has its greatest utility.

"In short, the damage that disclosure of the minutes in this instance would far outweigh any corresponding public interest in their disclosure."

Some lawmakers greeted his announcement with cries of "shame!"

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http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/25-1