Hoon misses Kelly funeral

Downing Street today sent out a strong signal that the widow of scientist David Kelly did not want Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to attend her husband's funeral.

A spokeswoman said it was "up to the family" to decide who should or should not be at the service on Wednesday.

The comments provided a new twist after it emerged that Mr Hoon decided to go on a family holiday to the US rather than attend the funeral.

He attracted criticism from Cabinet colleagues for refusing to abandon his summer trip.

Today a spokeswoman for No10 was at pains to stress that "discussions had taken place" between Mr Hoon and Mrs Kelly over the funeral.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to represent the Government "at the highest level", she said.