MP's reaction to hacking scandal

BEXHILL MP Greg Barker attended Parliament this week when it was recalled for the Prime Minister to give details of the public inquiry in the phone hacking scandal.

David Cameron came under renewed pressure because of his choice to appoint former News Of The World editor Andy Coulson as his communications officer.

He said “with hindsight” he would never have done this and told MPs he was “extremely sorry”.

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Mr Barker told the Observer “the whole country has been shocked by the revelations” emerging about phone hacking.

He commented: “I was in the Chamber on Wednesday when Parliament was recalled to hear the Prime Minister give details of the public inquiry he is establishing to get to the bottom of what has happened here.

“There are two parts to this work. First, a full investigation into the wrongdoing in the press and the police, including the failure of the first police investigation. Second, a review of regulation of the press.

“The Coalition wants to get on with both these elements as quickly as possible, while being mindful of the ongoing criminal investigations.

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“While the focus is on the press and the police, we need to reflect on the relationship between press and senior politicians going back many years.

“I hope that following the Prime Minister’s lead we can avoid narrow partisan politics and really sort this issue in a thoughtful and responsible way, once and for all.”

PICTURED: MP Greg Barker