Still the most accomplished thespian of his generation

TONY BLAIR, making his second appearance before the Chilcot Iraq Inquiry, arrived yesterday looking tense, drawn and even worried, as he nervously fingered an impressive-looking red dossier on the table in front of him.

Some four-and-a-half hours later, after prolonged and intricate questioning, often in great detail, relieved only by two 10-minute breaks, the former prime minister showed no signs of fatigue or irritation.

Indeed, he gave every impression that he could cheerfully have continued for another four-and-a-half hours without undue trouble.