Hello and welcome to The Midge, the e-bulletin that takes a bite out of politics in Scotland and elsewhere.
Today
- Chilcot report into Iraq war published
- Sturgeon slates Tories on treatment of EU citizens
- Health board criticised over secrecy
- Child abuse victims to question minister over inquiry crisis
Front pages
In The Herald, UK political editor Michael Settle reports on the First Minister’s criticism of the UK Government and Tory leadership contender Theresa May for failing to guarantee a right to stay for EU citizens already here.
The National pictures Tony Blair’s face superimposed with images of British soldiers killed in Iraq with the headline: “Chilcot: At last.”
The Mail looks at the first round of voting in the Tory leadership contest, declaring “It’s first blood to Theresa”.
The Guardian highlights Ken Clarke’s comments about the candidates (see Afore Ye Go, below). It also reports from Baghdad, where reporter Martin Chulov says there is little sense that Chilcot will change anything.
The Telegraph says Tony Blair is expected to point to incorrect intelligence as he defends himself against Chilcot.
The Times says Scottish Government ministers have ordered a review into rail projects amid concerns about costs and delays.
The FT pictures Hillary Clinton, who the FBI says will not face prosecution over her handling of classified emails. See Afore Ye Go.
The Evening Times asks readers to get involved in finding a new home for a famous Commonwealth Games sign.
The Express says the Scottish Government has plans to merge Scotland’s 14 health boards into three to save money.
Camley’s Cartoon
Camley finds some parents are quick on the draw when it comes to bagging a school place.
Five in five seconds: Sir John Chilcot
1. After seven years, the Chilcot Report into the Iraq War was published today.
2. Who is Sir John? Age 77, Cambridge graduate (English and Modern and Medieval Languages), career diplomat, had served on several inquiries, including into royal security, and served in the Northern Ireland Office before receiving the call to investigate the origins and prosecution of the Iraq war. Lives Dartmoor, wife an artist. Retired 1997, knighted 1998.
3. References: “Very thorough” according to Robin Butler, former Cabinet Secretary. That thoroughness, and the process of Maxwellisation (under which those criticised have a chance to respond before publication) could have contributed to the report’s long gestation period. Also a factor was wrangling over whether correspondence between Tony Blair and George W Bush could be released.
4. What he says about his inquiry findings: In an interview with the BBC, Sir John had this message for the families of the 179 British dead: “I hope they will feel when they see the report that the broad questions they have in mind will have been, if not resolved, answered to the best of our ability. But the key point I would like to make is by revealing all the base of evidence we have, they can see our conclusions and why we have reached them but they can make up their own minds on the basis of the evidence.”
5. And the families? Rose Gentle, from Pollok, Glasgow, whose 19-year-old son Gordon was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra in 2004, told Sky News: "I need the truth. I really just need the truth as to why. I think that's a question that's in your head at night, in the morning. You're asking why? Why was he there? Why was he killed there? Why did we go into Iraq?”
Afore Ye Go
“The families want to see justice and if it proves as a result of reading the report that there was dereliction of duty, malfeasance in public office, intelligence was negligently handled, then they will take action.”
General Sir Michael Rose, who has been advising the families of some of the British dead and injured in Iraq, speaking ahead of the Chilcot report’s publication today. BBC World at One. Above, George W Bush and Tony Blair in 2003.
Broadcasters, I'm not doing much tomorrow and am not sure what I will think about Chilcot. Bear me in mind!
— John McTernan (@johnmcternan) July 5, 2016
From former Labour aide John McTernan
Ken Clarke and Malcolm Rifkind filmed in Sky News Westminster studio making remarks about Tory leadership candidates https://t.co/SywJXdMvH6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 5, 2016
Former Tory ministers Ken Clarke and Malcolm Rifkind are the latest politicians to unwittingly enter an open mic contest ...
“And so we have a Tory leadership election, a sort of X Factor for choosing the antichrist.”
Frankie Boyle, the Guardian
I got six and a half years for 862m, what will Johnson, Gove and Farage get? https://t.co/mYSzNuuk4P
— Nick Leeson (@TheNickLeeson) July 5, 2016
Remember jailed broker Nick Leeson? Here's what he had to say on the financial fallout from Brexit.
"This is complete falsehood spread by political opponents.”
Tory leadership contender Stephen Crabb on claims on social media that he supports so-called "gay cure therapies”. Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images.
"I am disgusted at the way May has been speaking. The EU nationals living in the UK came here legally and they have protected rights.”
Nigel Farage criticises Theresa May’s stance on EU nationals in the UK. Jack Taylor/Getty Images.
"The Bank has a clear plan. We are rapidly putting its main elements in place. And it is working."
Bank of England governor Mark Carney on life post-Brexit. The pound later fell to a 31-year low against the dollar. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images.
Why do I have the impression that the UK is being governed only by the Governor of the Bank of England?
— Christopher Meyer (@SirSocks) July 5, 2016
From our former man in Washington DC, Christopher Meyer
"No charges are appropriate in this case.”
FBI director James Comey on Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server while Secretary of State. He did, however, call the Democrat presidential hopeful’s actions “extremely careless” and said 110 emails sent or received on her server containing classified information. Alex Wong/Getty Images.
FBI director said Crooked Hillary compromised our national security. No charges. Wow! #RiggedSystem
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2016
Donald Trump's reaction
"In quitting Europe I fear we are hastening Putin's dream of the break-up of the EU and with it, potentially, western civilisation.”
Music impresario Lord Lloyd-Webber speaking in a Lords debate on Brexit yesterday. Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images.
"They are retro-nationalists. They're not patriots. Patriots don't resign when things get difficult - they stay.”
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (above, with Angela Merkel) on Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, who he called “sad Brexit heroes”. Chung Sun-Jun/Getty Images
Germany’s Free Democratic Party hired a billboard van to tour London yesterday.
Gold plated corgi pendant, £150 each; sterling silver £126. Both are on sale to mark the summer opening of Buckingham Palace.
Thank you for reading. See you tomorrow.
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