It's not for me to speak for Mr Walker.
I fear that the debate above about 'command' is unhelpful. Perhaps Mr Walker might comment, if he is visiting here.
My perspective is that there is much more to be gained for the public good from an examination of the activities of an individual who was not on board the aircraft, but who was already 'known to' various organisations, and whose reputation precedes him.
I trust that HM Coroner will be adequately briefed. I also hope that he exercises his considerable powers to their full.
I personally think that the debate about command is very relevant with regards to this incident. I am PPL holder with no additional ratings, would I take off and fly into IMC? No I wouldn't, regardless of who was sat next to me, if I am P1, then I am P1, there should be NO confusion, I will exercise the privelages of my licence, no one else's. There is also the issue of currency which I'm sure we all know about, so lets not go there, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Finally, if someone had 'attempted' to 'pressurise' me into going, the answer would have been a short and sweet Foxtrot Oscar.
Basically, what I am trying to say is we are all, or should all be aware of our ability and what our licences & ratings entitle us to do, it is our awareness of this fact that should be the main factor when we are deciding to fly in less than favourable conditions. I am sorry to say this, but I cannot see why the 'activities' and 'reputation' of this 'individual' who is 'known to various organisations' has any relevance whatsoever to the tragic incident that unfolded in Blackpool 03/02/2007.
In my opinion it would be much more 'constructive' for those organisations to which this individual is known to, to call for enquiry independent from the accident at Blackpool.