Troublesome Justice

The office of coroner is an ancient one, going back to Elizabethan times. Unfortunately for this government, some coroners take their duties to inquire into the truth seriously. This would include Her Majesty's Coroner for the County of Oxford, which by virtue of the location of Brize Norton airbase, is where inquests on British personnel killed on active service in Iraq and Afghanistan are held.

There have been a numberof high profile examples of the Coroner saying things that the government does not like, things that point out the woeful inadequacy of British army equipment, or, in the case of Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, the woeful inadequacy of our so called "allies" in theatre to tell friend from foe.

So it comes as no surprise, therefore, that Jack Straw is now pushing out proposals to hold inquests where the out come "might affect matters of national security" to be held in camera. No jury, no press, no coroner. What's the betting that these inquests that affect matters of national security turn out to be JUST those types of inquest that ask awkward questions about British army equipment or friendly fire incidents. Mark my words. National security covers a multitude of sins.

"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."

Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials