Straw admits he wanted 'killer' words in dossier

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=441935

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, was forced to admit yesterday that he had wanted a "killer paragraph" inserted to the September Iraq weapons dossier and the document "strengthened" on weapons of mass destruction.

But he refused to be drawn on the extent of his own involvement in the apparent wish of two of his senior officials that the identity of David Kelly should be disclosed.

The Foreign Secretary is yet to appear before Lord Hutton. However, in the light of the evidence, he might be called to testify when proceedings resume next week. The Hutton documents reveal that Mark Sedwell, who was Mr Straw's private secretary at the time, had asked for a "killer paragraph" to be put into the dossier.

If he does testify at the inquiry, Mr Straw is likely to be asked about an exchange of e-mails between Peter Ricketts, the former political director at the Foreign Office, and John Williams, the head of the news department.In an e-mail copied to, among others, Alastair Campbell, the Prime Minister's director of strategy and communications, Mr Ricketts said: "I don't think there is a problem for us if the press name him . No need for us to be defensive; so I agree with John that if the name is presented to us, we should confirm. But let's do it in an organised way. I suggest we leave it to John W, and deflect attempts to get half a dozen of us to say different things!"

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

1. ... and "Report 'to claim Hoon misled MPs'"

"Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is reportedly to be accused by MPs of giving "misleading" evidence about the government's controversial Iraq dossier. The London Evening Standard newspaper says that is the claim to be made by MPs in the Intelligence and Security Committee's (ISC) key report which is due to be published on Thursday.

The report, on the use of intelligence in the run-up to war with Iraq, is said to conclude that the 45 minute claim should not have been included in the dossier - but also reportedly clears Alastair Campbell of having it inserted against the wishes of the intelligence services.

The newspaper says the report says Mr Hoon ignored advice from senior civil servants when he denied to the ISC that Defence Intelligence Staff were unhappy with the dossier.

The newspaper says the committee says Mr Hoon's actions were "misleading" and "unhelpful". "

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3096034.stm

... time for Prime Minister's Questions!!

(btw, somebody pointed out today that amidst the Sun's portrayal of Blair as "Blundertaker" selling out Britain to Europe, snuck onto page 2 is a short editorial giving two thumbs up to Gordon Brown ... If Blair loses Murdoch (& Europe will probably do that) thing's are going to get even more interesting!)

[0007]

2. I wish Lord Hutton would come to the United States

and get to the bottom of our indistinguishable administration.

The Uk is so clear and informed on the Kelly investigation that no doubt is left in anyone's mind. Alastair Compbell went down.
Tony Blair was exposed, Jack Straw was brought out of the dark along with many others.

Maybe that warm and fuzzy feeling that junior gives to the brain dead folks would wake up. Or is it greed and power?