Crispin Blunt MP has welcomed the French intelligence services’ publication of a declassified report into the use of chemical weapons in Syria and calls on the UK Government to declassify its own intelligence assessment.

Mr Blunt said:

“French authorities have set a great example with the publication of their declassified intelligence report into the heinous use of chemical weapons in Syria. This is a welcome step forward and important contribution to the public record that I recommend the UK Government to follow.

The Foreign Affairs Select Committee’s report on UK relations with Russia noted the importance of the UK calling out potential war crimes committed by the Russian and Syrian militaries, but warned of the dangers of failing to adequately evidence the basis for its allegations.

If British intelligence points in the same direction, then a declassified report should support our French counterparts in challenging those who deny their responsibility for this appalling crime. It is my hope that the exercise would also assuage the concerns of the British public who are predisposed to scepticism of elected ministers following previous disastrous interventions in the Middle East.

The Foreign Secretary’s openness on this issue with Parliamentary colleagues to date has been commendable. Whilst understanding of the limits of how far the intelligence services can make their case in the open, I believe the public has a right to ask for a more thorough explanation for the basis of their Government’s assessment.”