Downing Street Says » Ian Blair

» Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Ian Blair

Asked if Ian Blair agreed with the Prime Minister over the "grossly disproportionate" wording regarding the home defence law, the PMOS replied that he thought the journalist was oversimplifying both the Prime Minister’s and Ian Blair’s words. Ian Blair had now seen the guidelines, and believed they were welcome and correct, and was supportive of them.

Asked repeatedly why Ian Blair had not seen the guidelines earlier, and also if he had withdrawn his view of them, the PMOS said Ian Blair believed the guidelines were correct, and would interpret his own remarks.

Asked if anyone from Government had contacted Ian Blair to point out the guidance, the PMOS said the important thing was he had now seen the guidelines and was content with them.

Asked if we had confidence in a police officer who had made comments on something he had not seen, the PMOS replied that Ian Blair had mainly been talking about the situation on terror, which he dealt with in a direct and straightforward manner. The Prime Minister welcomed the appointment of Ian Blair and had full confidence in him.

Asked again why Ian Blair had not seen the guidance, the PMOS said it was a matter for ACPO.

Put to him that it was "extraordinary" that ACPO had not consulted the Met regarding their leaflet, the PMOS said he was not a spokesman for ACPO.

Asked how No10 had learned of Ian Blair’s change of mind, the PMOS said the Home Office had liaised with the police, as was entirely proper.

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