How can important information, vital for discovering the real truth, remain classified to the extent that an official inquiry cannot examine them?

Emma, the answer is obvious. Just one Spooks-like example; if an MI5 agent (who was involved in Iraq - and there were many) is still serving and underground, his/her identity must be kept secret at all costs.

A very good question, and the answer is not obvious. It is easy to make facts known without revealing certain identities. The files in question relate to decisions taken in 2002/3 and regard a war which is technically over, which makes it even easier to free up documents without endangering key personal. This is one of the reasons the inquiry was delayed until now.

Certain parts of this inquiry are being kept out of the public arena, for security reasons. There is no reason the inquiry cannot hear or see certain evidence in confidence.

Basically if they have nothing to hide they have nothing to fear - that is what New Labour tell all of us. Privacy is over. Next time you go to an airport they will take a full frontal nude photo of you for their records !!!

Yes I would have thought the classified stuff would be heard behind closed doors. Thanks FD.

Francis D wrote:
There is no reason the inquiry cannot hear or see certain evidence in confidence.

I'm afraid there is.

The five members - ex-diplomats, historians and academics - do not have the required security clearance.

A totally different make-up would be required and was not deemed necessary.

I have classified the following in order to protect my security and privacy :

1. My DNA
2. My nude photo
3. My movements and associations ( as long as they are legal )
4. My possessions especially my phones - personal data storage

The STATE can classify - as individuals we should classify our own information.

Unless the STATE can offer evidence that someone is a terrorist they should not invade peoples' privacy./