Separate UK errors can be easily confused
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In Britain’s long-awaited findings of the inquiry into the Iraq war, Sir John Chilcot points out that policy on Iraq “was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments” and “presented with a certainty that was not justified”.
“Despite explicit warnings,” he wrote, “the consequences ... were underestimated [and] the planning and preparations ... were wholly inadequate ... [failing] to take account of the magnitude of the task.”
Wires must have been crossed. Surely Sir John is referring here to the folly and shortcomings of the “leave” camp in the recent Brexit referendum. Or is Britain simply prone to recurring, self-inflicted hiccups? Should we try holding our breath?
John Shepherd
