Campbell may well have assumed that Birt’s view reflected private thinking in the highest echelons of the BBC. He was certainly encouraged to be relentless in his pursuit of an apology.So, Birt played a part in exacerbating the most ferocious schism ever between government and BBC. According to Campbell’s testimony to the Hutton inquiry, the former DG advised that the controversy was “terrible for the BBC” and that “everyone knew the story was wrong”.Coming from a figure who once displayed considerable fortitude in confrontations between BBC News and the Thatcher government, that guidance must have looked valuable. He has already grappled with crime and proposed a solution to motorway congestion.Recently Birt diverted his gaze from the stratosphere to support Alastair Campbell in his battle with the BBC. It seems that the Prime Minister was tiring of the controversy and urging Campbell to calm down Birt disagreed. What happened to him?
His Lordship entered the service of our own Dear Leader. As a special adviser to the Prime Minister, Lord Birt dedicates his time to “blue skies” thinking.

vigorous commitment to the optimisation of laterally integrated, self-sustaining creative hubs. What happened to him?

Armani suits, big glasses, expensive fetish for management consultants? You remember Lord Birt, the former BBC Director General? That’s right, droning voice, mission to explain … Armani suits, big glasses, expensive fetish for management consultants? You remember Lord Birt, the former BBC Director General? That’s right, droning voice, mission to explain … It is tragic that he has now given his life in that cause, along with others who, like him, were devoted and much-loved servants of the UN.

Those who killed him have committed a crime, not only against the United Nations but against Iraq itself.I share the grief of Sergio’s family. We shall all miss him sorely, as a colleague and as a friend. Let us also strive to be worthy of him, and to complete the work that he began, so that his death will not have been in vain.. The loss of Sergio Vieira de Mello is a bitter blow for the United Nations, and for me personally. The death of any colleague is hard to bear, but I can think of no one we could less afford to spare, or who would be more acutely missed, than Sergio.