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Blair rejects leak inquiry call Blair rejects leak inquiry call
(about 1 hour later)
Tony Blair has rejected a call for an independent inquiry into leaks of anti-terrorism intelligence used in police investigations. Tony Blair has rejected a call for an independent inquiry into leaks of police anti-terrorism intelligence to the media.
The PM was responding to calls from Tory leader David Cameron for an inquiry to establish whether any leaks had come from ministers or their aides. The PM was responding to calls from Tory leader David Cameron for an inquiry to find whether any details had come from ministers or aides.
Mr Blair said that "as far as he was aware" they had not, and that he completely condemned such leaks.Mr Blair said that "as far as he was aware" they had not, and that he completely condemned such leaks.
The UK's counter-terrorism chief has said leaks could "put lives at risk". The UK's counter-terrorism chief has said they could "put lives at risk".
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke of the Metropolitan Police said people who did divulge sensitive information were "beneath contempt".Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke of the Metropolitan Police said people who did divulge sensitive information were "beneath contempt".
Let me make it absolutely clear that I completely condemn any leaks of sensitive information from whatever quarter Tony Blair 'No guarantee' in terror fight Analysis: Election battle Let me make it absolutely clear that I completely condemn any leaks of sensitive information from whatever quarter Tony Blair 'No guarantee' in terror fight Analysis: Election battle
He made the comments in a speech, but did not specify where the leaks came from.He made the comments in a speech, but did not specify where the leaks came from.
Instead he used a recent anti-terror investigation in Birmingham as an example of when information was leaked to the media.Instead he used a recent anti-terror investigation in Birmingham as an example of when information was leaked to the media.
During prime minister's questions in the Commons, Mr Cameron called on the PM to appoint an independent person to investigate where the leaks came from.During prime minister's questions in the Commons, Mr Cameron called on the PM to appoint an independent person to investigate where the leaks came from.
He asked for assurances from Mr Blair that no minister, civil servant or special advisor leaked the information.He asked for assurances from Mr Blair that no minister, civil servant or special advisor leaked the information.
Mr Blair said: "The only guarantee that I can give is that, as far as I'm aware, they did not.Mr Blair said: "The only guarantee that I can give is that, as far as I'm aware, they did not.
"But let me make it absolutely clear that I completely condemn any leaks of sensitive information from whatever quarter.""But let me make it absolutely clear that I completely condemn any leaks of sensitive information from whatever quarter."
He criticised Mr Cameron for his suggestion that members of the government were responsible.He criticised Mr Cameron for his suggestion that members of the government were responsible.
Confidential and tightConfidential and tight
"I don't think it's right to leave an allegation suggesting that may be a minister who has done this, unless he's got actual evidence that that is so."I don't think it's right to leave an allegation suggesting that may be a minister who has done this, unless he's got actual evidence that that is so.
"But I would have thought that everyone would understand that when the police, particularly when they are conducting very sensitive operations - and where there's the potential for the significant loss of life - then it's incredibly important that that information is kept confidential and tight."But I would have thought that everyone would understand that when the police, particularly when they are conducting very sensitive operations - and where there's the potential for the significant loss of life - then it's incredibly important that that information is kept confidential and tight.
"And, as far as I'm concerned, that is the case.""And, as far as I'm concerned, that is the case."
A spokesman for the Conservative Party later told the BBC that they had "no evidence" that any minister or civil servant was involved in leaking details of the Birmingham investigation.A spokesman for the Conservative Party later told the BBC that they had "no evidence" that any minister or civil servant was involved in leaking details of the Birmingham investigation.
He said Mr Cameron, in bringing up the issue in the Commons, had not made any accusation, but wanted an inquiry to clear the issue.He said Mr Cameron, in bringing up the issue in the Commons, had not made any accusation, but wanted an inquiry to clear the issue.
In the Commons, Mr Blair agreed with DAC Clarke's stance that there was no justification for ever leaking such information.In the Commons, Mr Blair agreed with DAC Clarke's stance that there was no justification for ever leaking such information.
'Misguided individuals''Misguided individuals'
DAC Clarke had said there were a "small number of misguided individuals who betray confidences".DAC Clarke had said there were a "small number of misguided individuals who betray confidences".
By doing so, they had compromised investigations, revealed sources of life-saving intelligence and "put lives at risk" during major investigations.By doing so, they had compromised investigations, revealed sources of life-saving intelligence and "put lives at risk" during major investigations.
He also warned of a damaging "lack of public trust" in intelligence.He also warned of a damaging "lack of public trust" in intelligence.
The Liberal Democrats have also called for an investigation into any leaks.The Liberal Democrats have also called for an investigation into any leaks.
Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said: "The police, the security services and the public deserve to know who is acting in a way which, according to Peter Clarke himself, compromises vital work in anti-terror investigations."Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said: "The police, the security services and the public deserve to know who is acting in a way which, according to Peter Clarke himself, compromises vital work in anti-terror investigations."