Tory leader tests PM's credibility

Sunday, 10 August 2003 5:47 AM

Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith on Sunday called on the Prime Minister to swear on the Bible before giving evidence to the Hutton inquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly.

In a statement, the Tory leader said the truth over the apparent suicide of the former UN weapons inspector could only be forced out of the Government if committed Christian Tony Blair was made to answer before God.

The shadow opposition has held its tongue in recent weeks, refusing to make political capital out of the Kelly scandal and showing respect for the family grieving the death of Iraqi arms expert, but now the funeral has passed it looks like as if it will set its teeth into Labour's love affair with spin.

Mr Duncan Smith's intervention came ahead of the start of Lord Hutton's inquiry, which begins tomorrow.

The Government's "credibility" depended on evidence at the Hutton inquiry being taken under oath, Mr Duncan Smith said.

Moreover, the shadow opposition leader insisted the PM deliver an apology for Downing Street's "Walter Mitty" remarks.

He said: "Malicious briefings are part of their culture and Tom Kelly was only presenting the agreed counter-attack briefing. The fault line goes right to the top. It is Mr Blair who must apologise."

The Tory leader added: "The British people yearn for honest and straightforward politics.

"They are sick of behind-the-scenes briefings and inappropriate or in- sensitive statements from senior officials and ministers."

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