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There are no "great conspiracies" to be exposed by the Iraq War inquiry, David Miliband insisted today.
Defending Gordon Brown's decision, the Foreign Secretary said a "secret" inquiry that took evidence behind closed doors would be more thorough.
And he said that while mistakes may have been made, critics looking for evidence of dishonesty by Tony Blair and his ministers would be disappointed.
"In my view, if you are looking for a great conspiracy, you are not going to find it," he told BBC radio. However, David Cameron today said he would open the Iraq inquiry to full public scrutiny after the general election.
The Tory leader indicated he may change the rules if he takes office mid-way through its work, forcing key witnesses to give evidence in public.
It could lead to Mr Blair and senior figures being questioned about alleged promises made to George W Bush and the use of intelligence.
A spokeswoman for Mr Cameron said of the inquiry: "We reserve the right to change the terms of reference if we are elected while it is still going on."
His move follows cross-party outrage when the Prime Minister said that the probe will be "secret" and will not reveal conclusions until after the election.
Moreover, under the No10 remit, it is not allowed to apportion blame and lacks legal powers to compel witnesses or documents.
Mr Brown said the restrictions would make the inquiry quicker and more likely to get at the truth. However, families of the 179 service personnel killed in Iraq accused him of a cover-up.
Critics recall that the Hutton Inquiry into the death of weapons expert David Kelly produced a string of revelations while witnesses gave evidence in public - only to be branded a whitewash when its conclusions found no evidence of Government wrongdoing.
Rose Gentle, who campaigned against the UK's presence in Iraq after her son Gordon, 19, was killed in 2004, said: "We have fought and fought for this but it will be no use and it could all be for nothing behind closed doors.
"My family and most of the families who lost loved ones just want a simple answer to a simple question - why did we go in to Iraq in the first place?"
The inquiry will be led by Sir John Chilcot, 70, who was part of the Butler Inquiry that criticised Mr Blair's use of intelligence before the 2003 invasion.
But Philippe Sands, the lawyer who followed that inquiry, said: "It's not immediately apparent he will have the backbone to take on former government ministers."
Sources indicated Mr Blair had agreed to give evidence.
Reader views (5)
If there is no conspiracy over the Iraq war, then why not have a public enquiry.
When Mr Milliband is the next Labour leader he needs to be a lot more honest with the voters and himself otherwise he will spend a lifetime in the shadow cabinet.
He has less then a year to prepare.
- Mr S.Port, London, 16/06/2009 23:58
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Been said before but -Well he would say that wouldn't he.
The more the already proven Labour liars in HMG persist in denials the more the public thinks they have something fetid dirty disgusting dank and sinister to hide.
Secrecy won't restore public confidence only a fully open public inquiry might do that.
As someone once said. There is nothing that you could say to me now that I would believe. That was a certain Mr G Brown of Westminster. Delicious isn't it that the nation now feels that way about Bliar and HIM!
Keith Price - I love Gordon Brown and all who sail in him.....wibble!
- Ethan, UK, 16/06/2009 16:03
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The new "improved" Gordon Brown, ("more openness, transparency and listening to the elecorate")didn't last long. Why am I not surprised?
Keith from Luton & Val from Mijas - perhaps you can try and justify WHY this is not going to be a full PUBLIC enquiry. you seem to be the only 2 people left on the planet who seem to understand Gordon's promises.
- Malcolm, London, 16/06/2009 15:58
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In the Labour cabinet? Oh right, well we believe everything you say. You are so cuddly and trustworthy!
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 16/06/2009 15:53
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Careful Joe, with that headline you'll soon be charged with leaking the result of the 'independent' enquiry!
- Jim, London, 16/06/2009 10:41
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