Hutton Inquiry Update

by Mary

The Hutton inquiry is re-interviewing several of the witnesses that had been called before to straighten out some contradictory testimony and to expand on testimony given previously. This week both the pro and anti war (and pro/anti truth) forces found the going rough. The fallout from the inquiry is also materializing for all sides.

The New Labour party under Blair is no longer the invincible, and inevitable, default party for the British public. This week, a Labour seat was lost to the Liberal Democrats in a district that had been solidly pro-Labour for the past 15 years. The British press is viewing this ominously for Blair as an example that his personal trustworthiness is now reflecting on the broader Labour strength (and weakness).

During the past 4 days (Sept 15-19), a number of witnesses have been called and none of the major protagonists (Blair's administration, Dr. Kelly and the BBC) have come thru smelling like roses. Dr. Kelly's family had a chance to interview the government officials early in the week, but in testimony late in the week by Richard Hatfield, Dr. Kelly's personnel director, said that he should have fired Dr. Kelly as soon as he discovered Dr. Kelly was talking to the media out of school (so to speak). In my opinion, it clear that Dr. Kelly was operating as a whistle blower calling attention to the Blair excuses for war. Are there laws in the UK protecting those blowing the whistle?

Andrew Gilligan was recalled before the inquiry and continues to find himself in deep water. He apologized for any mistakes he made in reporting this story, and finds himself being left alone to face the questions as the BBC management signals their lack of confidence in his actions. Gilligan's handheld personal computer is being examined by computer experts who have testified that there were some mysterious discrepancies in the notes Gillligan took after his meeting with Dr. Kelly as they found two copies of his Kelly notes, only one with a reference to Alastair Campbell.

The BBC faces some stormy weather ahead as well as they come due for relicensing. As one of the goals of Rupert Murdoch was to see the BBC's influence weakened, this must be a happy turn of affairs for him.

All in all, every one of the main players in this affair have been diminished. Yet, the fact that the Hutton inquiry was capable of exposing the messy truth makes it a very positive story, one that shows how a functioning democracy can demand accountability. Now if only we can export Lord Hutton to the United States to run an inquiry for us.