Overview

This bill mandates a formal inquiry into the UK's involvement in the 2003 Iraq War. The inquiry will investigate the war's origins, its initiation, its legality, and its subsequent conduct, with a report to be presented to Parliament within a year.

Description

The Iraq War Inquiry Bill establishes a legally binding inquiry into the UK's participation in the Iraq War, utilizing the Inquiries Act 2005 as its framework. The inquiry's scope is comprehensive, encompassing:

• Origins: Examining the events and factors leading to the decision to go to war.
• Inception: Investigating the process of entering the conflict.
• Legality: Scrutinizing the legal basis for the UK's involvement.
• Subsequent Conduct: Reviewing the UK's actions during the war itself.

The inquiry must begin as soon as possible, at the latest by the start of the parliamentary session following the bill's passage. A final report will be submitted to Parliament within one year of the inquiry’s commencement. Interim reports may also be released. The standard publication rules of the Inquiries Act 2005 will apply, with one exception: subsection (4)(b) of section 25 (relating to the publication of reports) will not be applicable.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify the exact cost of the inquiry. The financial implications will include the costs of the inquiry's staffing, resources, legal representation and the publication of the final and any interim reports.

Groups Affected

The bill will impact numerous groups:

• The public: The inquiry's findings will shape public understanding of the war.
• Government officials and military personnel: Individuals involved in the decision-making process may be subject to scrutiny.
• Families of those affected: The inquiry may provide information relevant to those who lost loved ones in the war.
• Historians and academics: The inquiry's report will serve as a primary source for future research.

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