Blair apologises over friendly fire inquest

Tony Blair admitted that the family of the friendly fire victim, Lance Corporal Matty Hull, had suffered further distress because of the delayed inquest.

The case was raised at prime minister's questions after the furore over the leaked cockpit video, which showed how US pilots attacked a British convoy in March 2003 in the mistaken belief that they were targeting Iraqi rocket launchers. Last night, the US air squadron apologised for the incident.

A spokesman for the Idaho National Guard said: "We're obviously very, very sorry to the family and extend our sympathies to them."

Mr. Blair said he and the government regretted the postponement of the inquest, created largely by delay in providing video footage to the coroner. "It is obviously particularly distressing when a death occurs as a result of friendly fire," he said. "... But I think in those circumstances it is particularly incumbent on us to make sure we take very carefully and sensitively the concerns of the families."

After the video showing the killing of the 25-year-old Household Cavalry soldier was leaked to the Sun, the Pentagon told the MoD it would allow the film to be shown at the inquest. The Tory leader, David Cameron, asked Mr Blair if he was sure the MoD had not misled the family over the existence of the video.

Mr Blair replied: "I do believe the MoD did act in good faith throughout."

Guardian Unlimited