Iraqgate UK: Clare Short blames UK Gov for death of Dr Kelly

Short blames government 'abuse of power' for David Kelly's death

By Andrew Grice, Political Editor

Clare Short has blamed the death of Dr David Kelly on "an abuse of power" by the Government and warned that the tragedy has become a symbol of Prime Minister Tony Blair's "obsession with spin".

In an interview with The Independent, the former Secretary of State for International Development says the affair has made it more likely Mr Blair will stand down before the next general election. She describes him as an "emperor" and a "neo-Conservative", saying his speech this month to both houses of the US Congress shows he shares the analysis of Washington hardliners. "He is a complete convert to the neo-Conservative view of the world."

BBC calls head of MI6 to its defence in Hutton inquiry

Independent -28 July 2003

Sir Richard Dearlove, the head of MI6, will be named in the BBC's submission to the Hutton inquiry in defence of its allegation that Downing Street "sexed up" an Iraqi weapons dossier.

Citing Sir Richard means that Lord Hutton is likely to take the highly significant step of calling Britain's intelligence chief as a witness in his forthcoming judicial inquiry after the death of Dr David Kelly.

The Foreign Affairs Select Committee was not allowed to call Sir Richard or other intelligence personnel to its inquiry into the Downing Street dossiers.

Sir Richard, 57, reportedly faced "hard questioning" from MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee about the intelligence used in the dossiers, especially about Saddam Hussein's alleged attempts to obtain uranium from Niger. But the committee sits in private so no further details are available.

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