Blair still silent on Saddam

Tony Blair has refused again to comment on the execution of Saddam Hussein, leaving himself out of step with members of his Cabinet.

On his first public appearance since returning from holiday in Miami, the Prime Minister said at a London hospital: "I've decided to talk about health today. I will talk about all those other issues next week but not today." Asked if he thought he should be talking about the execution, he said: "I'll find a way to talk about it, but not today. I want to concentrate on the NHS."

Mr Blair's refusal has angered MPs. He may not make his first public response until Prime Minister's Questions next Wednesday, 11 days after the Saddam's execution.