Hutton to hear final submissions
Lord Hutton’s judicial inquiry into the suicide of Dr David Kelly, the Iraqi weapons expert at the heart of the “dodgy dossier” scandal, will hear closing statements today in front television cameras.
Lawyers representing the inquiry, the Government, the BBC, Dr Kelly’s family, and the BBC’s defence correspondent Andrew Gilligan will each have one hour to present final submissions.
Lord Hutton is to then write up his report, which is expected to be published in October.
Never before in British political history has the public been given access to the voluminous documents in an inquiry that has thrown the reputation of the Government itself into question.
The inquiry has heard evidence from more than 74 witnesses over the last two months.
Jeremy Gompertz QC, the Kelly family’s counsel, will appear first before the inquiry.
He is expected to question the Government’s “outing” of Dr Kelly and attempts by No 10’s official spokesman Tom Kelly to discredit his character. The PM’s aide compared Dr Kelly to the Walter Mithy character.
Jonathan Sumption QC, representing the Government, may highlight the BBC’s allegations that Downing Street “sexed up” the September dossier to bolster the case for war.
Andrew Caldecott QC, will then have his chance to defend the BBC’s decision to run the “dodgy dossier” story.
Heather Rogers, counsel representing the journalist at the centre of the scandal, Andrew Gilligan, may admit that her client made some mistakes in his account of the meeting with Dr Kelly, but will defend the story as one made in good faith.
For the inquiry, James Dingemans QC, will speak last, drawing together various observations made during the protracted, intense investigation.
Sir Kevin Tebbit, Permanent Secretary at the MoD, has yet to make his second appearance due to ill health. He is expected to give evidence next week after which time Lord Hutton will write his report.
