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LIVE: Campbell faces Iraq inquiry LIVE: Campbell faces Iraq inquiry
(10 minutes later)
By Emma Griffiths 1056 Why did weapons of mass destruction become so central to the arguments about Iraq? Because that was "what gave rise to the fear", says Mr Campbell - Mr Blair felt if nothing was done about WMD it was only a matter of time before it was "linked in with" terrorist groups. By Emma Griffiths I do not understand why there is a constant reference to Blair. Why are they not focusing on Campbell's role as advisor?Andrea Robertson, Ilfracombe
1106 On whether Mr Blair had signed up to a policy of regime change after the Crawford meeting - Sir Roderic points out Mr Blair used the phrase in a speech shortly afterwards. "That language on regime change... You as a communications expert, would you not feel that that was a clear indication that the prime minister was giving to the American people of his support for regime change?" Mr Campbell says he doesn't remember what the US media did with it but he personally did not see it as a "significant shift". He goes through a previous speech Mr Blair made at speed and is asked to slow down for the stenographer.
1105 Mr Campbell says there were continuing discussions about the policy of "containing" Saddam Hussein - including with the French. Sir Roderic asks if Mr Blair was aware of the risks of a policy that might lead to military action. Mr Campbell says Mr Blair would always "candidly" weigh up the "upsides and downsides" of any particular action.
1102 Questioning is handed back to Sir Roderic, who asks about what strategic options were on the table after the meeting at George Bush's Crawford ranch.
1101 Mr Blair had not signed up to get rid of Saddam regardless of WMD, he says. "It was not like that."
1059 Mr Campbell jabs the desk with his finger as he repeats that while Mr Blair felt Saddam Hussein should be removed, he was not pursuing a policy of military action right from the start. Mr Blair had a "fundamental view" about weapons of mass destruction being a "real threat" - and the context changed after the September 11 2001 attacks. Containment was becoming "less successful" and the tolerance for Saddam Hussein's defiance of UN resolutions changed, he said.
1056 Why did weapons of mass destruction become so central to the arguments about Iraq? Because that was "what gave rise to the fear", says Mr Campbell - Mr Blair felt if nothing was done about WMD it was only a matter of time before it was "linked in with" terrorist groups.
1053 At the Camp David meeting in September 2002, did the president and PM discuss what would happen after military action? Yes, replies Mr Campbell - "they were already talking about aftermath" - it was "always on the agenda". But the British government still wanted to resolve it peacefully, he said. He agreed there was a feeling among the "neo con wing" that it would be "all right on the day" - but said others did not share that. The British had the sense there was planning for the aftermath of war "going on" in the US administration, he says.1053 At the Camp David meeting in September 2002, did the president and PM discuss what would happen after military action? Yes, replies Mr Campbell - "they were already talking about aftermath" - it was "always on the agenda". But the British government still wanted to resolve it peacefully, he said. He agreed there was a feeling among the "neo con wing" that it would be "all right on the day" - but said others did not share that. The British had the sense there was planning for the aftermath of war "going on" in the US administration, he says.
I think Alastair Campbell is coming off quite well so far. The questioners are trying to show their mettle by interrupting and speaking over him, but they haven't scored any scalps yet.Ben, CoventryI think Alastair Campbell is coming off quite well so far. The questioners are trying to show their mettle by interrupting and speaking over him, but they haven't scored any scalps yet.Ben, Coventry
1048 The UK was "very keen all the time" to emphasise the importance of the UN while the US attitude to the UN was "lukewarm", says Mr Campbell.1048 The UK was "very keen all the time" to emphasise the importance of the UN while the US attitude to the UN was "lukewarm", says Mr Campbell.
1047 A "key moment" in the history of the Iraq war - was when President Bush asked Mr Blair to persuade his own vice president to go down the United Nations route, says Mr Campbell - who adds that he believes ex-ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer had been "churlish" in his own evidence on that meeting.1047 A "key moment" in the history of the Iraq war - was when President Bush asked Mr Blair to persuade his own vice president to go down the United Nations route, says Mr Campbell - who adds that he believes ex-ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer had been "churlish" in his own evidence on that meeting.
1044 Had the PM committed himself to war by July 2002, asks Baroness Prashar. Mr Campbell says Mr Blair's instinct and leadership was to say "we should be with the Americans" but that did not mean tailoring British policies to meet US policy. "Did he share the means to that end (regime change)," asks Baroness Prashar. Ultimately, he did, says Mr Campbell - but he believed you had to exhaust the diplomatic route, with the threat of force behind it. Right up to the House of Commons vote Mr Blair was hopeful it could be resolved peacefully, he said.1044 Had the PM committed himself to war by July 2002, asks Baroness Prashar. Mr Campbell says Mr Blair's instinct and leadership was to say "we should be with the Americans" but that did not mean tailoring British policies to meet US policy. "Did he share the means to that end (regime change)," asks Baroness Prashar. Ultimately, he did, says Mr Campbell - but he believed you had to exhaust the diplomatic route, with the threat of force behind it. Right up to the House of Commons vote Mr Blair was hopeful it could be resolved peacefully, he said.
adambanksdotcom tweets: Campbell to Chilcot: "I'm not aware and I'm not unaware" (of any precedent for his role). The old magic's still there!adambanksdotcom tweets: Campbell to Chilcot: "I'm not aware and I'm not unaware" (of any precedent for his role). The old magic's still there!
1042 George Bush said to Tony Blair there was "some planning going on", Mr Campbell recalls. He says before Crawford the PM had met the British military at Chequers to ask where they thought American thinking was at the time. He gave no commitment of British troops to George Bush at the Crawford summit in spring 2002, Mr Campbell says1042 George Bush said to Tony Blair there was "some planning going on", Mr Campbell recalls. He says before Crawford the PM had met the British military at Chequers to ask where they thought American thinking was at the time. He gave no commitment of British troops to George Bush at the Crawford summit in spring 2002, Mr Campbell says
1039 After 11 September Tony Blair made clear his "genuine fear" of Weapons of Mass Destruction and failed states coming together, says Mr Campbell - an analysis he shared with the US. They also agreed Saddam's regime was "brutal". But Mr Blair made clear that British policy was to pursue disarmament, he insists1039 After 11 September Tony Blair made clear his "genuine fear" of Weapons of Mass Destruction and failed states coming together, says Mr Campbell - an analysis he shared with the US. They also agreed Saddam's regime was "brutal". But Mr Blair made clear that British policy was to pursue disarmament, he insists
1038 Removing Saddam had been US policy since Bill Clinton was president, he says - and adds that Mr Blair made clear the UK's objective was disarmament of Saddam Hussein through the UN. "George Bush wasn't sitting there saying we are about to go to war," he said.1038 Removing Saddam had been US policy since Bill Clinton was president, he says - and adds that Mr Blair made clear the UK's objective was disarmament of Saddam Hussein through the UN. "George Bush wasn't sitting there saying we are about to go to war," he said.
1037 Back to the meeting at George Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas in 2002. Mr Campbell says he wasn't there for the meeting itself although he was at a dinner that evening - much of that discussion was about the Middle East crisis he says. On Iraq things were "recapped" - Mr Blair shared the US analysis of the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, Mr Campbell recalls.1037 Back to the meeting at George Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas in 2002. Mr Campbell says he wasn't there for the meeting itself although he was at a dinner that evening - much of that discussion was about the Middle East crisis he says. On Iraq things were "recapped" - Mr Blair shared the US analysis of the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, Mr Campbell recalls.
1035 Interesting news from the Dutch version the UK's Iraq inquiry. It has ruled that military action was not justified by UN resolutions on Iraq. The Committee of Inquiry on Iraq said security council resolutions did not "constitute a mandate for... intervention in 2003".1035 Interesting news from the Dutch version the UK's Iraq inquiry. It has ruled that military action was not justified by UN resolutions on Iraq. The Committee of Inquiry on Iraq said security council resolutions did not "constitute a mandate for... intervention in 2003".
1033 Mr Campbell is getting his own diary quoted back to him a lot. Baroness Prashar asks him what "concerns" were expressed in cabinet in March 2002 - he says he can't remember in detail but there were general concerns about whether there was a "rush to war - which there never was".1033 Mr Campbell is getting his own diary quoted back to him a lot. Baroness Prashar asks him what "concerns" were expressed in cabinet in March 2002 - he says he can't remember in detail but there were general concerns about whether there was a "rush to war - which there never was".
1031 Baroness Prashar asks about the build-up to the Iraq war. Mr Campbell says he felt former ambassador Christopher Meyer's evidence to the inquiry, about a meeting between Tony Blair and George Bush in Texas in 2002, was not accurate. He says he does not accept there was a change at that meeting to a policy of regime change. Mr Blair was not saying at Crawford we now have a policy of regime change, he says. "I don't accept this analysis that at Crawford there was this fundamental shift in approach."1031 Baroness Prashar asks about the build-up to the Iraq war. Mr Campbell says he felt former ambassador Christopher Meyer's evidence to the inquiry, about a meeting between Tony Blair and George Bush in Texas in 2002, was not accurate. He says he does not accept there was a change at that meeting to a policy of regime change. Mr Blair was not saying at Crawford we now have a policy of regime change, he says. "I don't accept this analysis that at Crawford there was this fundamental shift in approach."
1028 The questioning moves on from Sir Roderic. His fellow panel member Baroness Prashar asks if the cabinet secretary - the most senior civil servant - was involved in any of these meetings. Mr Campbell says he probably was as he was "in and out of Downing Street the whole time".1028 The questioning moves on from Sir Roderic. His fellow panel member Baroness Prashar asks if the cabinet secretary - the most senior civil servant - was involved in any of these meetings. Mr Campbell says he probably was as he was "in and out of Downing Street the whole time".
1026 Was it unprecedented for a communications chief to have such a close relationship with the intelligence services asks Sir Roderic - Mr Campbell says he would have to ask his predecessors - he did not know. Sir Roderic suggests his role had not really existed in that form before - in terms of being very central in government. Mr Campbell says that is probably true.1026 Was it unprecedented for a communications chief to have such a close relationship with the intelligence services asks Sir Roderic - Mr Campbell says he would have to ask his predecessors - he did not know. Sir Roderic suggests his role had not really existed in that form before - in terms of being very central in government. Mr Campbell says that is probably true.
1023 Mr Campbell says he dealt with intelligence agencies during the period. Sir Roderic asks why he was included in a "very sensitive" meeting with two senior officers of the security services when it did not concern information that was publicly usable. Probably because Mr Blair wanted me to be, replies Mr Campbell. What about the "need to know" principle? Asks Sir Roderic - did Mr Campbell "need to know"? No, Mr Campbell concedes - but he says it was helpful.1023 Mr Campbell says he dealt with intelligence agencies during the period. Sir Roderic asks why he was included in a "very sensitive" meeting with two senior officers of the security services when it did not concern information that was publicly usable. Probably because Mr Blair wanted me to be, replies Mr Campbell. What about the "need to know" principle? Asks Sir Roderic - did Mr Campbell "need to know"? No, Mr Campbell concedes - but he says it was helpful.
1021 Sir Roderic asks how closely Mr Campbell worked with the intelligence and security agencies. "At times very closely," says Mr Campbell. He says there was an intense period post-September 11 2001 and during the Iraq war. He says he did not "routinely see" intelligence reports and did not go out looking for them - but did have access to them.1021 Sir Roderic asks how closely Mr Campbell worked with the intelligence and security agencies. "At times very closely," says Mr Campbell. He says there was an intense period post-September 11 2001 and during the Iraq war. He says he did not "routinely see" intelligence reports and did not go out looking for them - but did have access to them.
1018 Sir Roderic sums up Mr Campbell's role: "It effectively allowed you to range right across the board" in terms of government policy, he says - Mr Campbell agrees.1018 Sir Roderic sums up Mr Campbell's role: "It effectively allowed you to range right across the board" in terms of government policy, he says - Mr Campbell agrees.
1017 There were informal discussions and phone calls as well as the official Monday morning meetings. Were they formally recorded in terms of minutes, asks Sir Roderic. No, replies Mr Campbell, the calls could be about anything - including dealing with the media. He might e-mail other people if asked to do something like prepare a speech - or dictate it to his PA.1017 There were informal discussions and phone calls as well as the official Monday morning meetings. Were they formally recorded in terms of minutes, asks Sir Roderic. No, replies Mr Campbell, the calls could be about anything - including dealing with the media. He might e-mail other people if asked to do something like prepare a speech - or dictate it to his PA.
1015 Some have suggested Sir Roderic, a former running partner of Mr Campbell might go easy on him but he keeps cutting him off mid flow to get Mr Campbell back onto the inquiry's remit. He has concentrated on asking about Mr Blair's inner circle of advisers and confidantes in the run-up to the Iraq war. Mr Campbell says there were a lot of people Mr Blair would speak to, in person or on the telephone. Admiral Boyce, John Scarlett, Jack Straw and Geoff Hoon - and Mr Campbell were at the formal Iraq meetings, he said.1015 Some have suggested Sir Roderic, a former running partner of Mr Campbell might go easy on him but he keeps cutting him off mid flow to get Mr Campbell back onto the inquiry's remit. He has concentrated on asking about Mr Blair's inner circle of advisers and confidantes in the run-up to the Iraq war. Mr Campbell says there were a lot of people Mr Blair would speak to, in person or on the telephone. Admiral Boyce, John Scarlett, Jack Straw and Geoff Hoon - and Mr Campbell were at the formal Iraq meetings, he said.
1013 Mr Campbell said Labour in 1997 inherited an outdated communications system from the Conservative government. Sir Roderic says that is before the timescale of the inquiry. Was Peter Mandelson in the inner circle of Iraq advisers, he asks? No, says Mr Campbell - but he says Gordon Brown was "one of the key ministers he would have spoken to regularly".1013 Mr Campbell said Labour in 1997 inherited an outdated communications system from the Conservative government. Sir Roderic says that is before the timescale of the inquiry. Was Peter Mandelson in the inner circle of Iraq advisers, he asks? No, says Mr Campbell - but he says Gordon Brown was "one of the key ministers he would have spoken to regularly".
1011 John Scarlett, Richard Dearlove, Jack Straw and Geoff Hoon were also important - as were Gordon Brown and John Prescott, Mr Campbell adds. Sally Morgan was key to his relations with the Labour Party. "I've never been a policy person," he says - Sir Roderic says he has previously said he was "involved in a lot of the policy discussions" about Iraq. Mr Campbell said he was, but as they related to "communications issues".1011 John Scarlett, Richard Dearlove, Jack Straw and Geoff Hoon were also important - as were Gordon Brown and John Prescott, Mr Campbell adds. Sally Morgan was key to his relations with the Labour Party. "I've never been a policy person," he says - Sir Roderic says he has previously said he was "involved in a lot of the policy discussions" about Iraq. Mr Campbell said he was, but as they related to "communications issues".
1008 Sir Roderic asks how close Mr Campbell worked with Mr Blair. "Very," replies Mr Campbell, saying Mr Blair could not do the job alone and was dependent on political colleagues. Sir Roderic cuts him off and says, apart from him and Mr Powell, who was in Mr Blair's inner circle of advisers - Mr Cameron says David Manning was ahead of himself.1008 Sir Roderic asks how close Mr Campbell worked with Mr Blair. "Very," replies Mr Campbell, saying Mr Blair could not do the job alone and was dependent on political colleagues. Sir Roderic cuts him off and says, apart from him and Mr Powell, who was in Mr Blair's inner circle of advisers - Mr Cameron says David Manning was ahead of himself.
1007 Sir Roderic says it was not just about dealing with the media - he quotes Mr Campbell's own diary back at him, and asks if he was there to do "whatever the prime minster asked you to do". Mr Campbell replies that he wouldn't have jumped off a building if Mr Blair asked him. "Be serious", says Sir Roderick.1007 Sir Roderic says it was not just about dealing with the media - he quotes Mr Campbell's own diary back at him, and asks if he was there to do "whatever the prime minster asked you to do". Mr Campbell replies that he wouldn't have jumped off a building if Mr Blair asked him. "Be serious", says Sir Roderick.
1006 First question from Sir Roderic Lyne - he asks if Mr Campbell was Mr Blair's longest serving close advisers. No, says Mr Campbell - suggesting Jonathan Powell might have been there longer. Sir Roderic asks what his actual role was - Mr Campbell said he worked with the PM and other officials to help devise and implement communications strategies. Pressed further he says he was also involved in political strategies.1006 First question from Sir Roderic Lyne - he asks if Mr Campbell was Mr Blair's longest serving close advisers. No, says Mr Campbell - suggesting Jonathan Powell might have been there longer. Sir Roderic asks what his actual role was - Mr Campbell said he worked with the PM and other officials to help devise and implement communications strategies. Pressed further he says he was also involved in political strategies.
1004 Panel chairman Sir John Chilcot says they'll be looking at the presentation of the case for military action, including the drafting of the two dossiers among other things he says, admitting much is "familiar ground". No new documents will be declassified today, says Sir John.1004 Panel chairman Sir John Chilcot says they'll be looking at the presentation of the case for military action, including the drafting of the two dossiers among other things he says, admitting much is "familiar ground". No new documents will be declassified today, says Sir John.
1002 And we're off. The panel are in their seats.1002 And we're off. The panel are in their seats.
0959 Mr Campbell is due to give evidence this morning from 1000 GMT to 1300 GMT. He's the only person before the inquiry today. Tony Blair will give evidence within weeks although the exact date is not known.0959 Mr Campbell is due to give evidence this morning from 1000 GMT to 1300 GMT. He's the only person before the inquiry today. Tony Blair will give evidence within weeks although the exact date is not known.
0958 Mr Campbell's name has not cropped up at previous hearings but former MI6 chief Sir John Scarlett, at his appearance in December, denied being put under pressure to "firm up" the September 2002 dossier - which assessed weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. However he did point out that the foreword was written by Tony Blair, not him. Mr Campbell might be asked if he was involved in writing the foreword.0958 Mr Campbell's name has not cropped up at previous hearings but former MI6 chief Sir John Scarlett, at his appearance in December, denied being put under pressure to "firm up" the September 2002 dossier - which assessed weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. However he did point out that the foreword was written by Tony Blair, not him. Mr Campbell might be asked if he was involved in writing the foreword.
0955 The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg said Mr Campbell looked relaxed when he arrived - despite being swamped by press as he got out of his car. He has already given evidence on Iraq twice - to the Commons foreign affairs committee and the Hutton inquiry. As well as being Tony Blair's communications director at the time, he was also one of the then PM's closest confidantes, she said.0955 The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg said Mr Campbell looked relaxed when he arrived - despite being swamped by press as he got out of his car. He has already given evidence on Iraq twice - to the Commons foreign affairs committee and the Hutton inquiry. As well as being Tony Blair's communications director at the time, he was also one of the then PM's closest confidantes, she said.
0950 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of today's Iraq inquiry hearing which will see Tony Blair's former communications director Alastair Campbell give evidence from 10am until 1pm. There have been several inquiries into aspects of the Iraq war before and this is not the first time Mr Campbell has given evidence. But this inquiry is the widest ranging and as this will be the first appearance by a major household name, a queue for seats at the hearing began forming early. You can watch it all live on this page, I'll be writing up all the key points as they happen plus bringing you the pick of analysis from BBC colleagues. We'll also include reactions from your emails and from coverage elsewhere on the web.0950 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of today's Iraq inquiry hearing which will see Tony Blair's former communications director Alastair Campbell give evidence from 10am until 1pm. There have been several inquiries into aspects of the Iraq war before and this is not the first time Mr Campbell has given evidence. But this inquiry is the widest ranging and as this will be the first appearance by a major household name, a queue for seats at the hearing began forming early. You can watch it all live on this page, I'll be writing up all the key points as they happen plus bringing you the pick of analysis from BBC colleagues. We'll also include reactions from your emails and from coverage elsewhere on the web.