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Unmasking the Truth: The Inside Story of the Hutton Inquiry and the BBC's Sexed Up Dossier

Cody Russell

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Published in Stumbling Over Truth: The Inside Story And The Sexed Up Dossier Hutton And The BBC

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Prologue: The Road to War

Lord Hutton Presiding Over The Inquiry Into The BBC's Reporting Of Iraq's Weapons Of Mass Destruction Stumbling Over Truth: The Inside Story And The Sexed Up Dossier Hutton And The BBC

Stumbling Over Truth: The Inside Story and the 'Sexed Up' Dossier, Hutton and the BBC

by Lilian Jackson Braun

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	352 pages

In the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003, the world's attention was captivated by a series of explosive reports from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Veteran journalist Andrew Gilligan, citing anonymous sources within the British intelligence community, claimed that the government had deliberately "sexed up" its case for war, exaggerating or even fabricating evidence of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

These allegations sent shockwaves through the British media and political establishment. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government vehemently denied the claims, calling them "unfounded" and "unpatriotic."

Enter Lord Hutton

As the controversy escalated, the British government appointed Lord Hutton, a respected High Court judge, to lead an independent inquiry into the BBC's reporting. The Hutton Inquiry, as it became known, was tasked with determining whether Gilligan's allegations were justified and whether the BBC had breached its journalistic standards.

The Inquiry's Findings

The Hutton Inquiry commenced in July 2003 and concluded in January 2004. After meticulously examining evidence from both the BBC and the government, Lord Hutton's report delivered a bombshell verdict.

While Hutton found that Gilligan's claims were not entirely without merit, he ultimately concluded that the BBC had not deliberately misled the public. The judge criticized the BBC for failing to corroborate Gilligan's sources adequately, but he exonerated the corporation from the charge of "sexing up" the dossier.

Political Fallout

The Hutton Inquiry's findings had a profound impact on British politics. Prime Minister Blair hailed the report as a vindication of his government's position, while opposition politicians and critics of the war saw it as a whitewash.

The inquiry also raised serious questions about the relationship between the BBC and the British government. Some accused the corporation of being too cozy with the Labour government, while others defended its independence.

The Book: "The Inside Story"

In the wake of the Hutton Inquiry, a number of books and articles were published examining the events that led to the war in Iraq and the BBC's role in the controversy. One of the most authoritative and comprehensive accounts is "The Inside Story And The Sexed Up Dossier Hutton And The Bbc" by Peter Oborne and Richard Broughton.

Based on extensive research and interviews with key figures involved in the affair, Oborne and Broughton's book provides a gripping insider's view of the Hutton Inquiry. They reveal the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, political pressure, and personal motivations that shaped the outcome of the investigation.

Anatomy of a Scandal

Through their meticulously detailed account, Oborne and Broughton expose the anatomy of a political scandal that shook the British establishment and cast a long shadow over the Iraq War.

They show how the BBC's reporting, based on faulty intelligence and unchecked sources, became a catalyst for the war's justification. They also highlight the government's manipulation of public opinion and its willingness to silence dissenting voices.

Journalism Under Scrutiny

"The Inside Story" is not only a historical account but also a thought-provoking examination of journalistic ethics and the role of the media in a democracy.

Oborne and Broughton raise important questions about the responsibilities of journalists, the importance of accuracy and impartiality, and the potential for political interference in news reporting.

A Sobering Lesson

The Hutton Inquiry and the "sexed up" dossier scandal remain a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of public trust.

"The Inside Story And The Sexed Up Dossier Hutton And The Bbc" serves as an essential read for anyone interested in British politics, the history of the Iraq War, or the enduring importance of a free and independent press.

Unveiling the gripping inside story of the Hutton Inquiry and the BBC's reporting of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, "The Inside Story And The Sexed Up Dossier Hutton And The Bbc" by Peter Oborne and Richard Broughton is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most controversial and consequential events in recent British history.

Stumbling Over Truth: The Inside Story and the 'Sexed Up' Dossier, Hutton and the BBC

by Lilian Jackson Braun

5 out of 5