My letter to Cameron

I've just sent the following letter to David Cameron.



Rt Hon David Cameron MP,
Leader of the Opposition,
House of Commons,
London

July 9 2009


Dear Mr Cameron,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the allegations in today’s Guardian newspaper.

The claim that up to 3,000 people, including myself, had their mobile phones ‘hacked’ on the instruction of the News of the World whilst being edited by your Director of Communications Andy Coulson, must be thoroughly investigated.

I’m glad to see that thanks to my calls, the Metropolitan Police, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the Press Complaints Commission are now investigating these claims.

But I’m surprised about your reaction to these serious allegations.

Last night, you were said to be ‘very relaxed’ about the case. And this morning you said you had no intention of sacking Mr Coulson, adding: “Of course I knew about the resignation before offering him the job. But I believe in giving people a second chance.”

But since your statement, it’s been announced that the Metropolitan Police are investigating the allegations, and the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee will reopen their inquiry into News International and mobile phone hacking.

The Chair of that Select Committee John Whittingdale has said the Guardian’s allegations raise “very serious concerns” and they would probably call on Mr Coulson to give evidence.

The former Sunday Times editor Andrew Neil, who worked closely with Rupert Murdoch and News International, has already said that under Mr Coulson it appears the News of the World newsroom was ‘out of control’ and that he was either ‘incompetent or complicit.’

You now appear to be the only person satisfied with Mr Coulson’s role whilst every other relevant authority is investigating the claims.

In light of this, will you ensure that Mr Coulson fully co-operates with the Select Committee and, if called, attends to give evidence.

Finally, I must say that I feel your ‘very relaxed’ attitude to these allegations seriously calls your judgement into question.

If they are true, Mr Coulson is not fit to enter Government as your Director of Communications if you are elected or indeed, remain in his current post.

I look forward to your prompt reply as a matter of urgency.


Yours sincerely,


Rr Hon John Prescott MP