The new political term begins today as MPs return to Westminster after the summer recess.

Iraq is set to dominate proceedings in the Commons along with speculation about which ministers or officials will be recalled to the Hutton inquiry.

According to a report in today's Guardian, the findings of the intelligence and security committee will be published this week.

Speculation in the weekend press points to a conclusion that a "muddled series of judgments" confused the meaning and significance of the 45-minute claim over Iraq's alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.

The report by MPs and peers is also expected to acquit Alastair Campbell of "sexing up" the dossier published last September.

Meanwhile, peers are likely to inflict a succession of reverses on ministers as they consider the Criminal Justice Bill and plans for foundation hospitals. Foxhunting is also set to return to haunt the prime minister when the Lords considers the Commons decision to ban the pursuit.

Geoff Hoon, the defence secretary, will face the Commons today and is expected to give details of the new troop deployments to Iraq.

Jack Straw, the foreign secretary, will also make a statement on the reconstruction effort in Iraq, and the Conservatives are staging a debate on the issue tomorrow.

The government will tomorrow publish a white paper on its attitude to the forthcoming intergovernmental conference on new constitutional changes for Europe.