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03/06/2003
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
In lobby briefings today, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that the ISC inquiry was probably already under way. He then reiterated Mr Blair's statement at the G8 conference in Evian, France, saying that if people had hard evidence to back up counter claims on WMDs then they should present it.
He added that the government's evidence on Iraq's weapons would be produced in due course.
The spokesman also said that suggestions the intelligence service's dossier on the Iraqi threat, presented in the build up to war, had been exaggerated to look "sexier" were "entirely false".
He then repeated the Prime Minister's belief that there was "no doubt" that Saddam Hussein had WMDs and had been continuing to manufacture them.
The former Leader of the House, Robin Cook, who resigned his Cabinet post in the run up to war, renewed calls for an independent inquiry following the decision to launch a similar probe in the US.
(GMcG)
Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
In lobby briefings today, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that the ISC inquiry was probably already under way. He then reiterated Mr Blair's statement at the G8 conference in Evian, France, saying that if people had hard evidence to back up counter claims on WMDs then they should present it.
He added that the government's evidence on Iraq's weapons would be produced in due course.
The spokesman also said that suggestions the intelligence service's dossier on the Iraqi threat, presented in the build up to war, had been exaggerated to look "sexier" were "entirely false".
He then repeated the Prime Minister's belief that there was "no doubt" that Saddam Hussein had WMDs and had been continuing to manufacture them.
The former Leader of the House, Robin Cook, who resigned his Cabinet post in the run up to war, renewed calls for an independent inquiry following the decision to launch a similar probe in the US.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
