Tony Blair Faces Major Political Challenges
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Some political commentators are calling this week Tony Blair's week from hell. He faces two major political challenges which could seriously undermine his administration. CNN's Robin Oakley is following the developments from London.</s>ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A week from hell, indeed, Fredricka. Tony Blair's authority with law makers and his credibility with the British public are at stake over the next two days. First of all is a crucial vote just nine hours ahead on his plans for reforming university funding in Britain. He's got a majority of 160 in the British parliament, but he's in danger of having that wiped out. He and his officials are admitting it's absolutely touch and go as to whether he can win this vote. If he loses it, his authority in parliament will be very badly dented, indeed. Then, tomorrow, we have the report of the Hutton inquiry into the death of the weapons scientist, Dr. David Kelly, the man who was at the center of the row between the British government and the BBC over BBC reports that the government sexed up its dossier alleging that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction that he could use at 45 minutes notice. Key questions for that inquiry to answer are did Blair corrupt intelligence into political propaganda? Did the intelligence services let him do that? Secondly, did he and his minister, like Jeff Hune, the defense minister, force out Dr. David Kelly unwilling into the public with no care for his own position and whether he could withstand the strain? So those two key developments, really, Fredricka, as to whether Tony Blair actually survives in office at the end of this week -- Fredricka.</s>WHITFIELD: All right, Robin Oakley, thanks very much. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com