Camerons Embarrassment
Foreign Secretary William Hague
has defended David Cameron in a BBC radio 4 interview when he said
"By inviting Andy Coulson to Chequers, the prime minister has
invited someone back to thank him for his work - he's worked for him
for several years - that is a normal, human thing to do," Mr
Hague added “I think it shows a positive side to his character."
William Hague went on to say "Personally I'm not embarrassed
by it in any way - but there is something wrong here in this country
and it must be put right. It's been acknowledged by the prime minister
and I think that's the right attitude to take."
He was referring to the 26 meetings or events involving News International
people which compares with: nine involving Telegraph Media Group figures;
four meetings involving Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily
Mail and Mail on Sunday; four meetings involving the Evening Standard.
In addition it has been revealed that Rebekah Brooks has been to Chequers
twice since Cameron came to power, and even Andy Coulson was invited
to Chequers by Cameron, 2 months after he resigned, James Murdock
has also been entertained there.
This adds fuel to the perception that the prime minister was too close
to News International.
Norman smith of Radio 4 said the prime minister's relationship with
Mr Coulson was "the one thing that could profoundly damage Mr
Cameron from all these hacking allegations," adding. "Still
Mr Cameron seems unwilling to disown Andy Coulson, only repeating
the good work Mr. Coulson did in Downing Street.”
Cameron’s Lack of Judgement
David Cameron invited Andy Coulson to Chequers after, in his own words,
‘Mr Coulson's second chance hadn't worked out’. Shadow
culture secretary Ivan Lewis said the disclosure of the list of engagements
offered "yet more evidence of an extraordinary lack of judgement
by David Cameron".
Labour's Lord Prescott accused Mr Cameron of being "very much
wrapped up in the Murdock operations".
Commons Enquiry
Rupert Murdock has agreed to answer questions
and attend the hearing on Tuesday the 19th July. He has agreed to
co-operate with the enquiry, to what extent is not known.
James Murdock, the current News International's chairman, has also
agreed to attend on the same day.
Rebekah Brooks News International's former chief executive and former
NoW editor, during the time voicemails of murdered schoolgirl Milly
Dowler's mobile phone were allegedly intercepted, will also attend.
Scotland Yard is considering a criminal investigation after Mrs Brooks
told a Commons committee in 2003 that journalists "had paid police
for information in the past". Rebekar Brooks was the editor of
the News of the World when she was offered the story about the MP’s
Expenses scandal; she didn’t take up the offer.
It has just been announced that Mrs. Brooks
has been arrested, by
appointment.
Ron
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News Corp. Hinton resigns after 52 years : Cameron.
