I have today accepted Ben Emmerson QC's resignation from the role of Counsel to the Inquiry. Mr Emmerson has stepped down at this time because he considers that after two years at the helm it is now time for someone else to take the role forward and provide leadership for the counsel team. There is no truth in suggestions that he has resigned due to a difference of opinion with me about the next steps for the Inquiry. He will continue to be available to the Inquiry whilst his replacement is recruited and brought up to speed. I am pleased he continues to support the Inquiry's aims and objectives. He has made an enormous contribution to the Inquiry and we wish him well.