Tony Blair could face inquiry over 'on-the-runs' deal

Former prime minister Tony Blair could be called before a parliamentary inquiry to explain a 'secret' deal he made with Sinn Fein during the Irish peace process, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

The deal saw 200 letters of assurances sent to fugitives known as 'on-the-runs' telling them they were not wanted by the police in the UK.

However, it did not rule out future prosecutions if new evidence emerged.

MPs on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee are investigating the collapse of the case against John Downey, who was wrongly assured he was not wanted, when in fact Metropolitan Police were looking for him in connection with the 1982 Hyde Park bombings.

The Committee may now seek Mr Blair to give evidence as his role in orchestrating the deal is coming under increasing scrutiny.