Tories to get Hutton only six hours early
Opposition parties will be given only six hours to study Lord Hutton's report on the death of scientist David Kelly before it is published, Downing Steet announced today.
Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will be shown the document at 6am on 28 January. It is expected to be officially released at noon on the same day, with both Lord Hutton and Tony Blair set to make statements on it.
This allows the Opposition much less than the 24 hours they demanded and gives the Government a big advantage.
Downing Street, like the BBC and Dr Kelly's family, will be given the report 24 hours ahead of publication.
Two senior Tories and two senior Liberal Democrats will be allowed to attend a "lock in" at the Cabinet Office from 6am, Downing Street said.
They will be shown into a secure room and be able to take notes on the report but it is understood they will not be able to reveal any details prior to publication.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman hit out at claims that Mr Blair had deliberately rigged the timing of the crucial Commons vote on university top-up fees to ensure it took place less than 24 hours before the Hutton Report was published.
He said Downing Street had only found out yesterday that Lord Hutton planned to publish his report on 28 January.
The timing of the fees vote was decided earlier this week. But the spokesman refused to be drawn on whether No 10 had found out through "informal-soundings" when the formerlaw lord planned to bring out his report. He added: "Lord Hutton chose the date entirely by himself."
Mr Blair is set to be granted a stay of execution by rebel Labour MPs unwilling to deliver a mortal wound to the Prime Minister over university top-up fees.
Downing Street believes the decision to publish Hutton the day after the Commons vote on fees will see the Labour revolt scaled down.
Labour MPs are unlikely to oppose Mr Blair in large enough numbers to defeat him when they know his premiership could be in peril 24 hours later.
