Publication

This paper examines the collection of intelligence on Iraq by British agencies and the subsequent use of that information by the British government. It begins with a brief overview of the rationale and remit of the Butler inquiry, and the findings of the previous inquiries. It then summarizes the key findings from the Butler inquiry. Particular attention is given to the problem of ‘group think’ identified by both Butler and the US Senate inquiries, the main symptoms of which are described. The paper then raises the possibility that ‘group think’ may apply more widely than just in relation to intelligence assessments of Iraqi WMD. Finally, the paper makes some policy recommendations, both in the light of the lessons from the Butler Report and in relation to addressing the broader problem of ‘group think’ in analyzing security threats.