Ministers stall inquiry on Iraq war advice

Guardian 21st February -Ministers stall inquiry on Iraq war advice

"The information commissioner is being blocked from launching an investigation which could force the government to release its files on the legality of British troops invading Iraq. Ministers are using a procedural device to stall a referral under the Freedom of Information Act to Richard Thomas, the information commissioner. Mr Thomas, an independent watchdog responsible for policing the act, cannot step in until ministers announce the results of an "internal review" of their own decision. But they have failed to do so. An investigation could lead to a legally binding order that they must release the files.

In an opinion commissioned by the Guardian and published today in full on the Guardian website, a leading barrister says ministers' claims that they have a right to suppress the files are legally incorrect."