The family of Dr David Kelly yesterday demanded that the British government take steps to ensure that the late scientist's "ordeal will never be repeated".
In a statement, they said: "No other person should have to suffer the pressure he experienced." The statement, read out by the family's solicitor Mr Peter Jacobsen after the judge finished delivering his report's summary, praised Lord Hutton's handling of the inquiry, even though his findings "differ in part from their submissions to him".
Mr Jacobsen said the family had only had a short time to read the report.
"They do however need longer to reflect on those parts which directly concern them," he said.
"There have been calls for the family to make a statement following the publication of the report and they fully understand the intense interest shown by the media, which is of course entirely legitimate." The report referred to issues that were of public interest, he continued.
"It is right that the circumstances surrounding David Kelly's death should have been examined in detail.
"The family are indebted to Lord Hutton for conducting a highly-charged inquiry with compassion and dignity, even though his findings differ in part from their submissions to him."
Lord Hutton made no recommendations for the future, the family had noted.
The statement continued: "But, if their personal tragedy is not to be compounded, they urge that, regardless of any criticism or exoneration in the report, the government takes action to ensure that the ordeal suffered by David Kelly will never be repeated.
"No other person should have to suffer the pressure that he experienced."
Mr Jacobsen added: "Lord Hutton rightly pays tribute to David Kelly at the conclusion of this report. The family themselves still have to come to terms with their loss which they have had to endure under the spotlight." - (PA)