UK News 14-10-2003 Blair Chaired Meeting To Name Kelly who: Tony Blair what: Chaired meeting where Downing Street insiders agreed that Dr David Kelly would be exposed, inquiry is told where: The High Court, LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: The Hutton inquiry was reopened for one day yesterday to hear evidence from ministry of defence permanent secretary Sir Kevin Tebbit. And the high-ranking civil servant confirmed that on July 8th, prime minister Tony Blair chaired a meeting where a strategy was agreed to publicly expose Dr David Kelly. Nine days later, the weapons expert was dead, apparently driven to suicide by the overwhelming attention. The inquiry has already heard that Downing Street insiders agreed that the MoD would issue a press statement, which was the first move in the outing strategy, says The Guardian. "What the inquiry has not been told until now," continues Richard Norton-Taylor, "is that the meeting also approved a question and answer briefing paper whereby the MoD would give out more details about Dr Kelly leading to the confirmation of his name." The Telegraph today refers to an article in The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that Sir Kevin had made "circular gestures around the side of his temples" when describing Dr Kelly as unreliable. Yesterday, he denied the allegation and said he regarded the report "with contempt". Lord Hutton "is carrying out an inquiry into Dr Kelly`s apparent suicide on July 17, and has already heard closing statements from barristers representing the key parties," explains The Evening Standard`s website, thisislondon.com. "He is expected to produce a report in late November or December." [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!