PM spin doctor to answer dossier allegations
The Prime Minister’s special advisor, Alistair Campbell, is to appear before a House of Commons Select Committee to answer allegations that the Government misled the public about the threat from Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Mr Campbell is to face questions from the Foreign Affairs Select Committee which has already heard evidence from the former International Development Secretary, Clare Short and the former Leader of the House of Commons, Robin Cook.
Mr Campbell is expected to face questions about his role in the production of a dossier on the threat from the weapons of mass destructions claimed to be in the Iraqi leader’s possession.
Both Ms Short and Mr Cook have accused the Government of exaggerating the threat in an effort to drum up support for following the Americans into action in Iraq.
Downing Street’s announcement is seen as a u-turn as an initial request for Mr Campbell to appear before the Committee was rejected last week.