The Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee said a key finding of the Chilcot inquiry into the run-up to the Iraq war, regarding lack of cabinet discussion, had not been acted upon. Its report says the cabinet secretary must be given more power to act if a prime minister decides to take action without properly consulting the cabinet. While Jenkin said Theresa May had “assiduously used cabinet and its committees” and that the committee had confidence in the cabinet secretary, “this is no guarantee for the future”. But her decision prompted debate over the proper course of action for a prime minister who wants to launch a military intervention. “The cabinet secretary supports the prime minister and the cabinet, helping to ensure there is robust system so the most important decisions are taken on a collective basis, ensuring that key interests across government are taken into account.”

Source: The Guardian May 28, 2018 22:52 UTC