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11/09/2003
Duncan Smith calls for Hoon’s resignation
Tory Leader Iain Duncan Smith has called on Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to resign after what he said was “damning criticism” from the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Mr Duncan Smith said the Defence Secretary had been “so discredited” that he should "no longer be left in charge" of Britain's armed services
His comments followed the publishing today of the cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee (ICS) report which indicated that the committee were "disturbed" by the way the minister failed to make clear that senior intelligence staff were concerned about the September dossier drawn up last year to highlight the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.
In the Commons today Mr Hoon said that he hoped that the committee accepted that he did not mislead them and said that he regretted any misunderstanding.
The report also slammed the Ministry of Defence for being "unhelpful and potentially misleading" on not releasing information relevant to the committe's enquiries.
Mr Duncan Smith said that he considered Mr Hoon's position as “quite untenable”. He called on him to resign or for the Prime Minister to dismiss him.
Shadow Defence Secretary Bernard Jenkin also stepped up the pressure on the embattled Defence Secretary and called on him to "do the honourable thing, accept responsibility, and resign".
However, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that Mr Hoon would not be resigning.
"He retains every confidence of the prime minister and his cabinet colleagues," said Mr Straw.
Yesterday Mr Hoon received the Prime Minister’s backing as it emerged that the ICS report, apparently criticising Mr Hoon, had been leaked to the press.
(SP)
Mr Duncan Smith said the Defence Secretary had been “so discredited” that he should "no longer be left in charge" of Britain's armed services
His comments followed the publishing today of the cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee (ICS) report which indicated that the committee were "disturbed" by the way the minister failed to make clear that senior intelligence staff were concerned about the September dossier drawn up last year to highlight the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.
In the Commons today Mr Hoon said that he hoped that the committee accepted that he did not mislead them and said that he regretted any misunderstanding.
The report also slammed the Ministry of Defence for being "unhelpful and potentially misleading" on not releasing information relevant to the committe's enquiries.
Mr Duncan Smith said that he considered Mr Hoon's position as “quite untenable”. He called on him to resign or for the Prime Minister to dismiss him.
Shadow Defence Secretary Bernard Jenkin also stepped up the pressure on the embattled Defence Secretary and called on him to "do the honourable thing, accept responsibility, and resign".
However, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that Mr Hoon would not be resigning.
"He retains every confidence of the prime minister and his cabinet colleagues," said Mr Straw.
Yesterday Mr Hoon received the Prime Minister’s backing as it emerged that the ICS report, apparently criticising Mr Hoon, had been leaked to the press.
(SP)
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19 January 2004
Hoon meets with Iraq war widow
Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
Hoon meets with Iraq war widow
Underfire Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is to meet today with an Iraq war widow who has led calls for his resignation.
09 September 2003
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
18 October 2011
Fox 'Broke Ministerial Code' Report Will Say
A Government report is expected to find that former Defence Secretary Liam Fox broke the Ministerial Code in his dealings with his friend Adam Werritty, However, the report, being compiled by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, is also expected to claim Mr Fox did not gain financially from the arrangements or his controversial dealings and trips t
Fox 'Broke Ministerial Code' Report Will Say
A Government report is expected to find that former Defence Secretary Liam Fox broke the Ministerial Code in his dealings with his friend Adam Werritty, However, the report, being compiled by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, is also expected to claim Mr Fox did not gain financially from the arrangements or his controversial dealings and trips t
09 March 2009
Airports Must Put Passengers First - Hoon
Passengers' needs are to be put first under new measures designed to improve air passenger experience and the economic regulation of airports, unveiled today by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon. Under the plans, the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), will be given a new primary duty to promote the interests of passengers.
Airports Must Put Passengers First - Hoon
Passengers' needs are to be put first under new measures designed to improve air passenger experience and the economic regulation of airports, unveiled today by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon. Under the plans, the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), will be given a new primary duty to promote the interests of passengers.
16 December 2004
No reprieve for Scottish regiments in Army shake-up
The fears of many in Scotland were realised today as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed that the Black Watch, despite its recent costly deployment near the Iraqi capital Baghdad, is to be merged with the rest of the Scottish Division.
No reprieve for Scottish regiments in Army shake-up
The fears of many in Scotland were realised today as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed that the Black Watch, despite its recent costly deployment near the Iraqi capital Baghdad, is to be merged with the rest of the Scottish Division.
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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.
