Cover up and buck passing begins.
The UK government “distanced itself” from talk of removing Saddam Hussein in early 2001 despite concerns about his threat, the Iraq inquiry has been told.
Sir Peter Ricketts, a top intelligence official at the time, said it was assumed it was not “our policy” despite growing talk in the US about the move.
Senior diplomats have finished their evidence on the war’s origins on the first day of public hearings.
The inquiry chairman has said he hopes to conclude his report in late 2010.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8375439.stm