Calls for BBC bosses to quit
BBC bosses are facing calls to quit over the tragic death of Dr David Kelly.
The Ministry of Defence scientist apparently committed suicide on Friday after he became embroiled in a row between the BBC and the government over weapons of mass destruction claims.
The BBC confirmed yesterday that Dr Kelly had been the primary source for journalist Andrew Gilligan’s claims that the government had “sexed up” a dossier on Iraq.
The admission appears to call the BBC’s credibility into question as Dr Kelly denied that he had made such allegations about the government when he spoke to Mr Gilligan.
Dr Kelly’s local Tory MP Robert Jackson is heading the calls for senior BBC figures to go after it was reported that the broadcaster spurned a compromise that might have prevented Dr Kelly’s suicide.
Dr Kelly’s body was found on Friday afternoon in woodland near his Oxfordshire home.
Andrew Gilligan has firmly denied accusations that he misinterpreted Dr Kelly’s comments.
“I did not misquote or misrepresent Dr David Kelly,” Mr Gilligan insisted.
The integrity of the government, the Ministry of Defence and chief spin doctor Alastair Campbell has also been called into question.
It is still unclear how Dr Kelly’s name was leaked to the media.
Even if Lord Hutton’s report vindicates the government, the Prime Minister will continue to face serious questions about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction until some evidence if found.
Tony Blair has rejected opposition calls for a wider inquiry into the government’s use of intelligence on Iraq.
The Prime Minister, who is currently on a tour of the Far East, has confirmed that he will personally be giving evidence to the inquiry.
The government has called for “respect and restraint” to be shown for Dr Kelly’s family.
Mr Blair ruled out recalling Parliament over the death. The inquiry is expected to report some time in September.
