Iraq inquiry ‘needs panel to rule on secret evidence’

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He was putting the request to inquiry chairman Sir John Chilcot at a meeting this morning.

The Liberal Democrats believe that without an independent assessment of the evidence ministers could play the "national security" card to conceal embarrassing information. They also want former prime minister Tony Blair — the "architect of the war" — to give evidence in public under oath.

Tory leader David Cameron, who was also meeting Sir John today, is expected to call for an interim report as the final conclusions are not expected until after the general election. The Conservatives also want a military figure on the inquiry's panel.

Public hearings are due to start late this year or in the new year, meaning the row over the Iraq conflict is likely to be reignited in the run-up to the election, which is expected in May next year. Sir John has said it is "essential to hold as much of the proceedings of the inquiry as possible in public".

In a letter to Gordon Brown, he said he would consult with opposition party leaders and senior MPs before deciding the exact format of the inquiry.

But he told the Prime Minister: "More broadly, I believe it will be essential to hold as much of the proceedings of the inquiry as possible in public, consistent with the need to protect national security and to ensure and enable complete candour in the oral and written evidence from witnesses." Mr Brown initially said that the inquiry would be held behind closed doors but then announced some evidence could be taken in public following an outcry over the proposed secrecy.