Blair says allowing sailors to speak to media was "not a good idea"

Middle East News

Apr 11, 2007, 18:35 GMT

London - The controversial decision to allow the 15 British sailors freed by Iran to sell their stories to the media was 'wrong,' British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday. In hindsight, it was not a good idea to permit the navy personnel to speak to newspapers and television channels for considerable sums of money, Blair said in his first public comment on the affair. However, the decision had been taken by the Navy in 'good faith' as the ex-captives were 'pursued' by the media, said Blair, adding that he was not consulted about the decision in advance. 'I didn't actually know about the decision until after it was taken. But really that is not the point. The navy was trying to deal with a wholly exceptional situation in which the families were being pursued by the media to tell their stories. The navy took the view that it was better to manage the situation,' he said. 'With hindsight was that a good idea? No,' Blair added. Defence Secretary Des Browne, who reversed his permission for the sailors and marines to speak after a public outcry over the initial decision, Wednesday said he accepted 'full responsibility' for the affair. The 14 men and one woman were freed by Iran after 13 days in captivity a week ago. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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