Menu
03/06/2003
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
In lobby briefings today, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that the ISC inquiry was probably already under way. He then reiterated Mr Blair's statement at the G8 conference in Evian, France, saying that if people had hard evidence to back up counter claims on WMDs then they should present it.
He added that the government's evidence on Iraq's weapons would be produced in due course.
The spokesman also said that suggestions the intelligence service's dossier on the Iraqi threat, presented in the build up to war, had been exaggerated to look "sexier" were "entirely false".
He then repeated the Prime Minister's belief that there was "no doubt" that Saddam Hussein had WMDs and had been continuing to manufacture them.
The former Leader of the House, Robin Cook, who resigned his Cabinet post in the run up to war, renewed calls for an independent inquiry following the decision to launch a similar probe in the US.
(GMcG)
Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
In lobby briefings today, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that the ISC inquiry was probably already under way. He then reiterated Mr Blair's statement at the G8 conference in Evian, France, saying that if people had hard evidence to back up counter claims on WMDs then they should present it.
He added that the government's evidence on Iraq's weapons would be produced in due course.
The spokesman also said that suggestions the intelligence service's dossier on the Iraqi threat, presented in the build up to war, had been exaggerated to look "sexier" were "entirely false".
He then repeated the Prime Minister's belief that there was "no doubt" that Saddam Hussein had WMDs and had been continuing to manufacture them.
The former Leader of the House, Robin Cook, who resigned his Cabinet post in the run up to war, renewed calls for an independent inquiry following the decision to launch a similar probe in the US.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
21 January 2011
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
08 June 2010
Owen Confirms Bloody Sunday Preview
The families of those killed and injured in Bloody Sunday are to have advanced sight of the official report before the Prime Minister makes his statement on the matter to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 15 June.
Owen Confirms Bloody Sunday Preview
The families of those killed and injured in Bloody Sunday are to have advanced sight of the official report before the Prime Minister makes his statement on the matter to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 15 June.
25 May 2012
Cameron Defends Jeremy Hunt's Handling Of BSkyB Bid
David Cameron has strongly defended Jeremy Hunt's handling of Rupert Murdoch's bid for BSkyB. This follows the discovery of new evidence showing that Hunt was privately pushing for the takeover to be allowed before he was appointed to oversee the process.
Cameron Defends Jeremy Hunt's Handling Of BSkyB Bid
David Cameron has strongly defended Jeremy Hunt's handling of Rupert Murdoch's bid for BSkyB. This follows the discovery of new evidence showing that Hunt was privately pushing for the takeover to be allowed before he was appointed to oversee the process.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. A cold night with some ground frost. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
