MP's Dr Kelly book prompts re-inquiry call
MP Norman Baker's Book The Strange Death of Dr Kelly has promoted a cross-party group of peers to call for the investigation into his death to be reopened.
Speaking in the Lords, Labour peer Lord Berkeley said the book contained sufficient evidence to warrant the opening of a new inquiry into the death of the government weapons inspector in 2003.
In his exchange with the Minister, Lord Berkeley highlighted the unsatisfactory, non-statutory nature of the Hutton Inquiry and the fact that none of the witnesses were obliged to give evidence under oath.
He was backed by Lord Martin of Gresford (Lib Dem) and Lord Stoddart of Swindon (independent).
Lord Martin also raised the matter revealed in Mr Baker's book that Lord Falconer, then Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, used an exceptional power to direct the coroner both not to continue with the original inquest into Dr Kelly's death and not to resume it unless there was an exceptional reason.
In his reply the Minister said the government would not re-open the matter, but described Mr Baker's book as 'a good Christmas read'.
Mr Baker's book, which has received positive reviews in the national press, including The Sunday Times and The Sunday Telegraph, is also among seven titles shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award.
Mr Baker said, "I am very grateful that Lord Berkeley has raised this matter in the House of Lords and has lent his backing to my call for a new inquiry into Dr Kelly's death.
"Contrary to the Minister's claims, the Hutton Inquiry was far from thorough and it's findings were certainly not conclusive.
"It was a flawed and incomplete inquiry that let the government off the hook and left many very important questions about the scientist's death completely unanswered.
"What I would like to now see is a reopening of the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the country's most eminent weapons inspector and a proper statutory inquiry into the whole fiasco of the Iraq war."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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