Blair to battle on, say allies

Read 'Blairites'.

July 12, 2004
ALLIES of British Prime Minister Tony Blair have rushed to douse fresh speculation over his future, insisting he will soldier on through the latest test of his leadership over Iraq.

Blair loyalists rallied around the prime minister ahead of another difficult week for his government, which faces the findings of an inquiry into the failings of British intelligence on Iraq as well as two key by-elections.

However, British newspapers reported Mr Blair would escape severe censure from the Butler inquiry.

Instead, a senior intelligence officer and Mr Blair's chief political adviser will be most in the firing line, according to media reports.
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