Critics condemned British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today, as he announced that the long-delayed inquiry into the nation’s involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq would be held “in private.” The probe will start next month and will not “apportion blame.”

Gordon Brown

Opponents condemned the announcement, saying Brown had delayed the promised inquiry so as to ensure that it would not finish until after the next general election (in June 2010) and now even details of the ongoing probe will be kept secret until after the vote.

Brown insisted the secrecy was necessary to ensure that those testifying would be as candid as possible. Members of Parliament have been demanding a full and public investigation for years, though former Prime Minister Tony Blair had blocked previous attempts.

The British government was one of the most significant backers of the US invasion, and details of talks between the Bush and Blair Administrations could shed significant light on the pre-war planning.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• Homegrown US 'Terror Plots' Drop, But Nation Still 'On Edge' - February 9th, 2012
• Amputations Soared Among US Troops in 2011 - February 9th, 2012
• US Still Can't Find Missing Libyan Missiles - February 9th, 2012
• Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood: Let Us Form Government - February 9th, 2012
• As Reports of Violence Grow in Syria, So Do Western Calls for Intervention - February 9th, 2012