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Who will be recalled? Witnesses face an anxious wait

Andrew Grice
Tuesday 02 September 2003 00:00 BST
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Witnesses who have given evidence at Lord Hutton's inquiry into the death of David Kelly are anxiously waiting to find out whether they will be summoned to return for another round of questioning.

In the second stage, which starts on 15 September, some will be called back to clear up any discrepancies between their accounts and other evidence, or to be asked about information that has come to light since they appeared.

In phase two, witnesses will face cross-examination by lawyers acting for other interested parties, as well as questions from James Dingemans QC, counsel to the inquiry. Intriguingly, the BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan could face some searching questions from counsel representing Susan Watts, science editor of BBC2's Newsnight. She is said to be furious that her colleague appeared to identify Dr Kelly as the source of one of her reports to a member of the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee (FAC).

Lord Hutton will decide who to recall after the first phase of his inquiry concludes on Thursday, and may disappoint some observers. He may limit cross-examination to the issues he judges as central to his investigation. He said: "There is ... no legal right to cross-examination - but I propose within limits to allow cross-examination to the extent that I think it helpful to the forwarding of the inquiry, but no further."

GEOFF HOON, Secretary of State for Defence

What did he tell the inquiry? He sought to shift the responsibility for the main decisions affecting Dr Kelly on to his officials and Downing Street.

Why might he be recalled? Yesterday's testimony by Dr Kelly's widow raised questions about his claim the scientist was properly treated by the MoD. The limited involvement Mr Hoon claimed in the naming of Dr Kelly may be questioned when Richard Taylor, his special adviser, gives evidence on Thursday. A recall looks certain.

TONY BLAIR, Prime Minister

What did he tell the inquiry? He accepted "full responsibility" for the decisions taken about Dr Kelly, saying the situation was handled "by the book".

Why might he be recalled? The Kelly family lawyers may ask for the Prime Minister to be called back. Mr Blair's statement that Dr Kelly believed his identity would become public was called into question by his widow yesterday. He could also be asked whether No 10 knew Dr Kelly was being considered for a knighthood. A recall seems unlikely.

ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, Outgoing director of communications and strategy, Downing Street

What did he tell the inquiry? He had "no input" on the dossier's claim that Iraq could deploy WMD in 45 minutes.

Why might he be recalled? To explain the 15 changes he proposed to the draft dossier, including beefing up the "45-minute" claim. To be asked about his plan to leak Dr Kelly's name to one newspaper, which was aborted. A recall is likely.

GODRIC SMITH, The Prime Minister's official spokesman

What did he tell the inquiry? He disclosed Mr Campbell considered leaking Dr Kelly's name.

Why might he be recalled? An e-mail came to light two days after he gave evidence, in which he outlined why the FAC should recall Mr Gilligan. Although it appears to look like an attempt to influence the committee, no action was taken. A recall is possible.

JOHN SCARLETT, chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee

What did he tell the inquiry? He insisted that he retained "ownership" of the dossier and cleared Mr Campbell of Mr Gilligan's charge that he inserted the "45-minute" warning.

Why might he be recalled? To be questioned about his revelation that the "45-minute" warning related to "battlefield mortar shells or small-calibre weaponry", rather than long-range missiles. To explain why he "hardened" the "45-minute" claim after Mr Campbell's request. To be asked why he called MI5 to investigate leaks to journalists. A recall is probable.

ANDREW GILLIGAN, BBC defence correspondent

What did he tell the inquiry? Stood by his report that Mr Campbell transformed the dossier, but admitted he "didn't use exactly the right language".

Why might he be recalled? He sent an e-mail to the Liberal Democrats, allowing David Chidgey, a FAC member, to ask Dr Kelly about what he had told Ms Watts. A recall looks certain.

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