The scene is BBC's "Newsnight" special, with the host sitting opposite three guests: a former Royal Prosecutor, a Human Rights Organization leader, and the most troublesome Labour Shadow Cabinet Foreign Minister, Robin Cook.
"The Prime Minister's Mansion's statement lacks the basic persuasiveness."
Cook faced the camera, his tone calm yet sharp, "'We will establish an independent investigation committee' appointed by whom? Reporting to whom? Does the investigative scope include all activities of the intelligence department in North America? These questions remain unanswered."
The Human Rights Organization leader picked up the thread: "The international community does not expect the United Kingdom to investigate itself. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office has expressed willingness to assist; why does the government refuse?"
