IRAQ INQUIRY DELAY IS AFFRONT SAYS HARVIE
Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, is condemning the latest delay in publication of the findings of the Chilcot Inquiry into the 2003 Iraq War.
Scottish Greens opposed the war and supported calls for the inquiry, which began in 2009, to report at the earliest opportunity. A backbench Commons debate, sponsored by Green MP Caroline Lucas, is due to take place next week, calling for the inquiry to publish its findings by 12 February.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"This further delay is an affront to democracy. Since last year the inquiry has been giving witnesses time to respond to allegations against them. It's hard not to conclude that every opportunity is being given to those at the centre of this illegal conflict to water down the report's findings.
"This entire sorry saga is a reminder that Labour should never have taken us into conflict in Iraq, a decision supported by that party's latest Scottish leader. I note the call from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for the report to be published before the election, and I believe this latest delay will undermine the inquiry's credibility."