Hutton makes inquiry statement

Hutton makes inquiry statement

Hutton makes inquiry statement

Lord Hutton, chairman of the inquiry into the death of government scientist Dr David Kelly, has given a statement to reporters following the close of the first part of the investigation.

Lord Hutton made it clear that he would be examining the evidence given to the inquiry so far and deciding which witnesses needed to be recalled.

The experienced judge explained that he would be giving everyone who might face criticism in his final report the chance to give evidence during the second phase of his inquiry.

However, he stressed that not all recalled witnesses would face criticism.

Government scientist Dr David Kelly apparently committed suicide after becoming embroiled in a row between the BBC and the government over allegations that weapons intelligence was “sexed up” in the run up to war in Iraq.

The Hutton Inquiry, created to establish the events leading up to his death, has heard evidence from leading government figures, including the Prime Minister and defence secretary Geoff Hoon, employees of Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence and friends and colleagues of Dr Kelly.

The second part of the inquiry, with witnesses being recalled to give evidence will begin on Monday September 15th.

The second phase of the inquiry is expected to last for around two weeks, with closing statements on Thursday 25th September.