The committee of inquiry will examine and report on UK government policy and its implementation in Iraq from the summer of 2001 to the present day.

Its main purpose is to provide a full assessment of British involvement in Iraq over this period, and to learn lessons for the future.

Mr Foster, who did not support the invasion and conflict at the time, said: "As military operations in Iraq come to an end the time is now right to launch a full inquiry.

"I appreciate there is some disappointment that the inquiry will follow precedent and be held in private. But the findings, and all but the most sensitive information, will be published when the inquiry concludes.

"Privacy will allow even the most classified information to be scrutinised and ensure intelligence operatives and military personnel are able to speak honestly and openly. Security concerns could prevent that from being possible if hearings were held in public.

"The Tories are suggesting the inquiry has been delayed until after the next General Election. That's rubbish, there is no political point here – the Tories voted for the war. The most important thing is that the inquiry is done correctly and that we learn from it."

The inquiry committee will sit in private – along the lines of the Falklands inquiry. This is to ensure that the committee have access to all government papers, including secret papers, and those of allies, and is able to call witnesses to give evidence.

The inquiry should report in Summer 2010.

Michael Foster resigned his position as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Attorney General at the time of the 2003 conflict.
He only returned to Government last week as Equalities Minister.