Crucial week for Hoon as old and new witnesses take the stand
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, is expected to come under renewed pressure this week when Lord Hutton resumes his inquiry into the death of the weapons expert Dr David Kelly.
Mr Hoon, who has already faced a High Court grilling over his involvement in the events that led to the scientist's death, is almost certain to be recalled to the inquiry as it begins its second phase.
But, before re-examining witnesses who have already appeared, the inquiry will hear from six new witnesses.
Air Marshal Sir Joe French, head of the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) while the contentious September dossier was being drafted, is expected to be asked about dissent in the intelligence community over the content and style of the dossier.
Along with Tony Cragg, his former deputy, Sir Joe's evidence could create further problems for the Government when the circumstances surrounding letters expressing concerns about intelligence material in the dossier - notably one from Brian Jones, head of the scientific wing of the Defence Intelligence Analysis Staff - are revealed.
They will be asked to explain why Dr Jones and his colleagues received no response to their complaints, and why their concerns were not reflected in the final dossier published in September 2002.
Other witnesses include Sir Richard Scott, who worked with Dr Kelly at Porton Down, and two unnamed witnesses described as "security staff". The BBC director general, Greg Dyke, will also appear.
On Tuesday, however, the inquiry will return to original witnesses whose testimony threw up questions or discrepancies that either Lord Hutton or counsel for the various parties - the Government, the BBC and Dr Kelly's family - want answers to.
Mr Hoon's recall is widely viewed as a certainty. Questions arose about the Defence Secretary's role in the strategy to name Dr Kelly. Though he insisted he had played only a limited role, evidence from his special adviser, Richard Taylor, later put the Defence Secretary centre stage. And new evidence from the report of the Commons Intelligence and Security Committee - which complained that he had not been immediately forthcoming in providing letters proving concern in the intelligence community over the dossier, behaviour that was "potentially misleading" - could raise further questions.
It is understood that the Kelly family also want to hear again from Tony Blair, after he claimed the scientist knew his identity would become public.
Alastair Campbell, Mr Blair's outgoing director of communications and strategy, is also tipped for a recall to explain the 15 changes he proposed to the draft dossier, including beefing up the "45 minute" claim.
John Scarlett, chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, could be asked back to explain why material in the dossier was "hardened" after Mr Campbell's request.
The BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan, whose Today programme report that No 10 had "sexed up" the September dossier, is also highly likely to return to the witness stand.
In the witness box tomorrow
Air Marshal Sir Joe French
Head of the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) when the September dossier was being drafted. Expected to be asked about dissent in the intelligence community about the dossier and what action - if any - he took in response to written complaints about the way the dossier was compiled.
Tony Cragg
Former deputy head of the DIS. He is also expected to be quizzed on the mood of intelligence services staff and attitudes to the material used in the dossier, in particular a letter sent to him by weapons expert Brian Jones expressing his concerns about its content.
Dr Richard Scott
Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory. Expected to be asked about the time he spent working with Dr David Kelly at Porton Down.
Greg Dyke
BBC director general. Expected to be asked about the credibility of BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan's claims that No 10 had "sexed up" the dossier, and why the corporation refused to apologise to Alastair Campbell.
Two unnamed witnesses Security staff, MoD
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments