Iraq Inquiry could pave the way for 'constitutional change' said Military Scientist Michael Codner at the Royal United Services Institute London
A public Inquiry into Britain's involvement in Iraq is underway. It is being led by one of Britain's former top civil servants Sir John Chilcot, who was also a member a previous inquiry into the use of intelligence led by Lord Butler.
This Inquiry could influence the equation the government has with the people of Britain. Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute in London Professor Michael Codner said "The Inquiry that was highly critical of the decisions could be a catalyst for the process of rebuilding trust".
constitutional Change
If the inquiry recommends changes for government decision making it could pave the way for 'constitutional change' which would influence military operations in the future said Codner.Under the current system the prime minister can commit forces in advance of an operation because he does not require the consent of parliament which makes it possible to carry out expeditions.
He explained, “The Prime Minister is wise to have a vote in parliament at some point but he is not required to. If you change that and say that parliament must assent before forces are committed then it makes it extremely difficult for the United Kingdom ever to commit forces in a procative way.”
This in turn could have an impact on Britain's involvement in an operation."We would have no influence over the initiation process and therefore we would just be making a moral contribution” he said.
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