Blair and other key players face Kelly death probe

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair will be called to give evidence on what he knew of the discussions and decisions that culminated in weapons expert Dr David Kelly slitting his wrist at an Oxfordshire beauty spot.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, Mr Blair's communications chief Alastair Campbell and BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan will also face questioning, Lord Hutton told a packed courtroom at the Royal Courts of Justice yesterday.

Although Lord Hutton has not set down a full timetable, Mr Blair has made it clear he would break off from his holiday in Cliff Richard's Barbados villa to attend if required.