Tony Blair agrees to face MPs for IRA inquiry

Tony Blair has agreed to appear before a House of Commons Select Committee to answer questions about alleged concessions made to “on the run” IRA suspects, despite their status meaning that they were not included in the Good Friday Agreement.

It emerged last year that the Labour Government had sent letters to more than 200 republican “on the runs” to advise them that they were no longer wanted by the police. The Northern Ireland Committee has launched an inquiry into the decision, and has been requesting the attendance of Blair – although up until now he has been unable to attend, offering to submit written evidence instead.

Following a formal request from the committee, the former Prime Minister has now said he will appear in person. Blair maintains that a judge-led review, in which he testified, found that the policy did not equate to an amnesty for the suspects. He will attend the committee next week.