Blair rejects investigation into anti-terror leaks
Blair insists ministers aren't behind leaks
The government's indecisive handling of the Iran hostage crisis lost public sympathy for the 15 personnel taken captive, the Conservatives have claimed. |  |
Wednesday, 25, Apr 2007 12:00
The prime minister has joined in the condemnation of people who leak anti-terrorism intelligence to the media.
Anti-terror officer Peter Clarke said those responsible were "beneath contempt", giving as an example the recent anti-terror operation in Birmingham where some journalists appeared to be briefed of the police's plans.
Tony Blair told MPs today that he agreed with Mr Clarke's disgust and said he would take the "strongest possible action" against anyone found to be leaking information.
However, he rejected David Cameron's calls for an independent inquiry into the source of the leaks.
Mr Blair nevertheless insisted that no ministers or aides were responsible. Mr Cameron challenged how he could be so confident without an inquiry and Mr Blair conceded he could not guarantee it.
"The only guarantee that I can give is that, as far as I'm aware, they did not," he told MPs.
"But let me make it absolutely clear that I completely condemn any leaks of sensitive information from whatever quarter."
Mr Blair criticised Mr Cameron for implying the allegation and calling for an investigation without any evidence.
"If I were being unkind I would call that a smear," added Mr Blair.
Following Mr Blair's dismissal, the shadow home secretary David Davis has asked the cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell to launch a formal inquiry.
In a speech yesterday, Mr Clarke condemned those who leak information on anti-terror operations. "They reveal sources of life-saving intelligence. I wonder if they simply do not care," he said.
"What is clear is that there are a number, a small number I am sure, of misguided individuals who betray confidences. Perhaps they look to curry favour with certain journalists, or to squeeze out some short-term presentational advantage."
The Liberal Democrats have also called for an inquiry into the leaks, warning they risk endangering anti-terror investigations.
Unlike the Conservatives, they claim to have a dossier of examples when unofficial briefings from Whitehall or Westminster were premature or inaccurate and potentially compromised investigations.
Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said: "There is now real evidence that the government's culture of spin is undermining rather than strengthening our collective response to the terror threat.
He called for an urgent investigation into the source of leaks mentioned by Mr Clarke. "The police, the security services and the public deserve to know who is acting in a way which, according to Peter Clarke himself, compromises vital work in anti-terror investigations," he added.