Bizarro world

Britain’s new foreign secretary says the coalition government will move forward with a judicial inquiry into his country’s alleged complicity in torture.

"So far ministers have stuck to the mantra that ’we never condone, authorise or co-operate in torture’," Hague wrote. "But this does not dispel any of the accusations. If anything, there is now a direct and irreconcilable conflict between such ministerial assurances and the account given by Mr Mohamed. That must be resolved."

He added: "We cannot sweep these allegations under the carpet. Until the full facts are known, Britain’s name and reputation will be dragged through the mud – not least by the terrorists and extremists who will exploit these allegations for their own propaganda.’

"It is vital to remember that torture does not help us defeat terrorists; it helps them to try to justify their hostility to us."

More here and here.