A tape of Iraq mole Dr David Kelly briefing a BBC journalist was expected to be played today at the inquiry into his death.

David Kelly was a “superb” scientist whose work helped uncover Saddam Hussein’s secret germ warfare programme, the inquiry into the death of the Government weapons expert heard today.

Lord Hutton – the man who will lead the inquiry into the death of David Kelly - joined mourners today at the UK government weapons inspector’s funeral.

Details of a letter written by Dr David Kelly just three weeks before his death were revealed for the first time today as the inquiry into his suicide was opened.

The first formal steps in Lord Hutton’s inquiry into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly were being taken at Britain's Royal Courts of Justice today.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair today denied authorising the identification of David Kelly as the source for the BBC story that Downing Street “sexed up” the dossier on Iraq’s weapons.

The death of Dr David Kelly and the ensuing crisis for the British government appear to have taken a toll on Tony Blair’s personal rating, according to a poll published today.

British government ministers and BBC bosses are facing a public grilling on their treatment of Dr David Kelly, after the law lord appointed to investigate the civil servant’s death announced today he would not hold his inquiry behind closed doors.

The man heading the inquiry into the death of British government scientist David Kelly said today that he would decide the matters that will be investigated.

BBC bosses faced calls to resign today after confirming Dr David Kelly as the prime source for reports that intelligence on Iraq was “sexed up”.