Tragedy 'must never happen again'

Janice Kelly, and her daughter Rachel, attending the Hutton inquiry

Dr David Kelly's family has urged the government to take action to ensure their tragedy is never repeated.

The family's solicitor, Peter Jacobsen, said: "No other person should have to suffer the pressure he experienced.

"If their personal tragedy is not to be compounded...the government (must) take action to ensure the ordeal suffered by Dr Kelly is never repeated."

Dr Kelly left a wife of 36 years, Janice, and three daughters, Sian, 32, and twins Rachel and Ellen, 30.

In his report Lord Hutton said he believed Dr Kelly had killed himself after being named as the suspected source of the BBC's controversial weapons dossier story.

THE HUTTON REPORT Full Report (PDF file 2MB) Hutton report in full (html version) Chapter 12: Summary

He concluded the scientist had killed himself because of a severe loss of self-esteem, as he felt he had lost people's trust, and as he was subjected to the media glare.

Lord Hutton cleared the government of an "underhand strategy" to name Dr Kelly but said the Ministry of Defence was "at fault and to be criticised" for failing to tell Dr Kelly his identity as the suspected source would be confirmed to journalists who suggested it.

Public servant of 'distinction'

He expressed his gratitude to Mrs Kelly and her daughters for the "great assistance" they gave the inquiry.

Lord Hutton said Dr Kelly had been a devoted husband and father and a public servant who had served with "great distinction" and that his death was a "great tragedy".

The prime minister also paid tribute to Dr Kelly, telling the Commons nothing should detract from his "fine record of public service" to the UK.

"He was respected here and abroad. I am sorry that as a result of the gravity of the allegations made it was necessary to have this inquiry and the Kelly family have had to go through reliving this tragedy," Tony Blair said.

Time to grieve

Reading from the family's statement, Mr Jacobsen said: "They observe that Lord Hutton has made no recommendations for the future but if their personal tragedy is not to be compounded they urge that, regardless of any criticism or exoneration in the report, the government takes action to ensure that the ordeal suffered by David Kelly will never be repeated.

The Kelly family's lawyer Peter Jacobsen said they were still grieving

"The family still have to come to terms with their loss, which they have had to endure under the spotlight. They are grateful for the consideration that has already been shown to them and now ask that they be allowed to grieve in private without intrusion."

Last year Mrs Kelly gave evidence to the Hutton inquiry.

She told the inquiry her husband felt "totally let down and betrayed" at the way his employers allowed his identity to become public knowledge.