Former MI6 chief says Britain was 'dragged' into Iraq war

[Jan Klimkowski]

OTOH, if there are moves afoot to shift the official narrative in preparation for a change of government then this would fit the bill as a contribution in the direction of the Conservative Party's confused and self-serving stance on the matter.

Also, the guy's profile makes him an unlikely candidate to be airing sour-grapes 'independence'. He appears to be still working, and for an institution that would not take kindly to criticism of the SS's that might sour their cosy relationship.

I agree.

A quick google of Nigel Inkster reveals he was Director of Operations at MI6. So, not just a pen pusher. Indeed, a man who knows deep black secrets.

Although I do have strange flashes of Harry Palmer's (Michael Caine) boss in those classic movies such as The Ipcress File. (I'm thinking Col Ross, as played by the world weary Guy Doleman.)

Given that the IISS was founded by the, um, very well connected Denis Healey and Michael Howard - what truly surreal bedfellows - it can presumably swing both ways.

Or perhaps any which way but loose....

Howard's machiavellian protege, Gove, will probably have a big say in forming Tory foreign policy (or what passes as such), so Sir Nige may soon be a major player once again.