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London attacks inquiry rejected
11/07/2005 15:33 - (SA)
London - Prime Minister Tony Blair's government on Monday rejected calls for an official inquiry into last week's terrorist attacks in London, saying it could hamper the work of the police and intelligence services.
The main opposition Conservative Party said it was too early to judge whether the government made mistakes in its handling of the attacks, but it wanted an official probe.
Conservative leader Michael Howard on Sunday also demanded a unified border force and a new minister for homeland security.
Blair's official spokesperson said the focus must be on identifying the victims of the attacks and catching those responsible.
He said: "There will always be lessons to be learned after these matters."
'Get on with the job'
He was briefing reporters on customary condition that his name not be used.
"At the moment we are not going to get diverted into talking about the form of how those lessons will be learned.
The key task at this stage is simply to get on with the job, and we will do everything we can to give the authorities the time, the space, and the support they need to do that."
He said Blair had chaired a meeting of "Cobra" - the special cabinet committee that deals with civil emergencies.
Home secretary Charles Clarke and defence secretary John Reid also attended the meeting.
- AP
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