Louise,
If you’re not familiar with the Yamal saga you can look here.
http://deepclimate.org/2009/10/30/briffa-teaches-but-will-mcintyre-ever-learn/
and also follow the associated links.
In short, the accusations made against Briffa were garbage. I don’t know if hunter knows that, I don’t know if he even cares – it’s just another bit of mud to fling.