Menu
04/09/2003
Blair asserts he's 'not for turning'
Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking at his regular monthly press conference, has declared that he will not be changing course despite the tough times he has endured.
At one point, when asked if he was having a “Thatcher moment”, the PM said that he thought he was having a “Blair moment for the moment”.
Seeking to concentrate instead on the “domestic agenda”, Mr Blair said the government could get through this period by building a better understanding among the public of "what it was trying to do and why".
Yesterday's assertion by senior intelligence officials - testifying at the Hutton inquiry - that elements of the Iraq dossier had been “over-egged” has seen renewed focus on several of the issues raised during the first phase of the inquiry, which concludes today.
However, Mr Blair, clearly preferring to await the outcome of the Hutton inquiry, said that people should “let the judge do the judging”.
Pressed on evidence which indicated that certain aspects of the dossier had been overplayed by “spin merchants”, the Prime Minister said that the testimonies should be taken in context of the “totality of the evidence” given to the inquiry.
Mr Blair said: “He’s [Lord Hutton] not looking at the headlines, he’s looking at the evidence. And I think what is very, very important… is to make our judgments on this once he’s made his judgment.
"I totally understand why people are concerned about it, but in the meantime there is no point in me speculating as to what he is going to find, that's for him.”
Attending the inquiry yesterday, Dr Brian Jones, in charge of a weapons intelligence team and part of the Ministry of Defence’s experts, said that there had been concern within his staff that the dossier’s language had been excessively strong.
Looking ahead to the resumption of the inquiry, Lord Hutton - who is now considering which witnesses to recall - said that too much should not be read into who was, and who was not, recalled in the second phase of the inquiry which is due to begin on September 15.
(SP)
At one point, when asked if he was having a “Thatcher moment”, the PM said that he thought he was having a “Blair moment for the moment”.
Seeking to concentrate instead on the “domestic agenda”, Mr Blair said the government could get through this period by building a better understanding among the public of "what it was trying to do and why".
Yesterday's assertion by senior intelligence officials - testifying at the Hutton inquiry - that elements of the Iraq dossier had been “over-egged” has seen renewed focus on several of the issues raised during the first phase of the inquiry, which concludes today.
However, Mr Blair, clearly preferring to await the outcome of the Hutton inquiry, said that people should “let the judge do the judging”.
Pressed on evidence which indicated that certain aspects of the dossier had been overplayed by “spin merchants”, the Prime Minister said that the testimonies should be taken in context of the “totality of the evidence” given to the inquiry.
Mr Blair said: “He’s [Lord Hutton] not looking at the headlines, he’s looking at the evidence. And I think what is very, very important… is to make our judgments on this once he’s made his judgment.
"I totally understand why people are concerned about it, but in the meantime there is no point in me speculating as to what he is going to find, that's for him.”
Attending the inquiry yesterday, Dr Brian Jones, in charge of a weapons intelligence team and part of the Ministry of Defence’s experts, said that there had been concern within his staff that the dossier’s language had been excessively strong.
Looking ahead to the resumption of the inquiry, Lord Hutton - who is now considering which witnesses to recall - said that too much should not be read into who was, and who was not, recalled in the second phase of the inquiry which is due to begin on September 15.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 October 2014
Police Appeal For Witnesses To 'Horrific Attack' In Glasgow
An investigation into a "horrific attack" in Glasgow last week has been upgraded to a murder inquiry following the death of Stephen McGinlay. Mr McGinlay (26) was attacked by three men on St George's Road in Glasgow at about 17:50 on Thursday 02 October. He died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
Police Appeal For Witnesses To 'Horrific Attack' In Glasgow
An investigation into a "horrific attack" in Glasgow last week has been upgraded to a murder inquiry following the death of Stephen McGinlay. Mr McGinlay (26) was attacked by three men on St George's Road in Glasgow at about 17:50 on Thursday 02 October. He died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Sunday.
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.
08 November 2010
Public Inquiry Into Stafford Hospital Opens
A public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital has opened today. The start of the inquiry, at the offices of Stafford Borough Council, was reportedly delayed because one of the relatives objected because family members and the media were in a different room to that of the inquiry Chairman Robert Francis QC and his panel.
Public Inquiry Into Stafford Hospital Opens
A public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital has opened today. The start of the inquiry, at the offices of Stafford Borough Council, was reportedly delayed because one of the relatives objected because family members and the media were in a different room to that of the inquiry Chairman Robert Francis QC and his panel.
17 February 2005
Red Cap families call for public inquiry
The families of six Royal Military Police personnel, killed by an Iraqi mob near Basra on June 24 2003, have today have called for a full public inquiry into the incident.
Red Cap families call for public inquiry
The families of six Royal Military Police personnel, killed by an Iraqi mob near Basra on June 24 2003, have today have called for a full public inquiry into the incident.
27 November 2006
'Serious failings' in death of Royal Marine
A coroner has ruled that there were 'serious failings' by the military in the death of a Royal Marine by 'friendly fire' in Iraq. Christopher Maddison, 24, from Scarborough, was killed after missiles were fired at the boat he was travelling on, on the Khawr Az Zubayr in southern Iraq in March 2003.
'Serious failings' in death of Royal Marine
A coroner has ruled that there were 'serious failings' by the military in the death of a Royal Marine by 'friendly fire' in Iraq. Christopher Maddison, 24, from Scarborough, was killed after missiles were fired at the boat he was travelling on, on the Khawr Az Zubayr in southern Iraq in March 2003.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
