Coulson in the clear?
Peter Hoskin 12:29pm
It's worth following Andrew Sparrow's typically excellent live blog of the Commons culture committee's first public hearing into the recent NotW "phone-hacking" claims. So far, the biggest revelation has come courtesy of Nick Davies - the Guardian journalist behind the story last week - and it's one which will please the Tories:
"Davies says he has the names of 27 journalists from the NoW and four from the Sun who used a private investigator to get information. Some of the requests were legal, like electoral register searches. But many were not. Davies says he does not want to name the names. "I'm a reporter, not a police officer." But there are a number of senior editorial executives on the list. One was Greg Miskiw, the assistant editor, news, at NoW.There are other executives, more senior and junior. But Andy Coulson's name is not on the list.
Davies says these are journalists who used Stephen Whitmore, a private investigator."
Of course, this inquiry still has some time to run - and there's still the question of whether Andy Coulson knew about the alleged actions of those 27 journalists. But, as I said last week, it's hard to see the case against him progressing in the absence of any further evidence.
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Barman at The Red Lion, Whitehall
July 14th, 2009 1:00pm Report this commentThis 'scoop' is rapidly withering on the vine, as it deserves to.
What a pathetic attempt by the Labour Party (sorry, The Grauniad) to knife Coulson over a 'non-story'.
When this tosh is consigned to the dustbin of damp-squib stories, Nick Davies and The Grauniad management should remember that Hell hath no fury like a Murdoch scorned...
strapworld
July 14th, 2009 1:13pm Report this commentMr Hoskin. Give us all a break. This is a non story. This is the start of the demise of the Guardian/Observer (unless a russian buys them!!).
News International will take them to the High Court and finish them off.
Let them repeat, and prove, their allegations in Court.
So they have an email that lists names. I Could send them one!! It is meaningless, unless they have statements backing up everything the email states.
It was so juvenile and desperate from that jounalist (no tie, usual guardian garb- couldn't see if he wore sandals!!)
But let us leave them to their fates. Mr Coulson is as safe as houses.
Next story please!
Jean Baker
July 14th, 2009 1:47pm Report this commentIf the 'story' is true, the police will have no option but trace those responsible - alleged to be dodgy sounding phone tapping 'private investigators' and ensure they brought to justice to stop such practice.
Anything less strongly suggests Mr Coulson, like many before him, may be a victim of 'dirty political tricks' - high profile media coverage being the norm in the process.
It's surely the jurisdiction of the police.
Jean Baker
July 14th, 2009 1:48pm Report this commentIf the 'story' is true, the police will have no option but trace those responsible - alleged to be dodgy sounding phone tapping 'private investigators' and ensure they brought to justice to stop such practice.
Anything less strongly suggests Mr Coulson, like many before him, may be a victim of 'dirty political tricks' - high profile media coverage being the norm in the process.
It's surely the jurisdiction of the police.
News of the Screws
July 14th, 2009 2:05pm Report this commentSo 27 journalists and a number of senior editorial executives knew all about this but Andy Coulson didn't?
Sorry but I don't buy that.
As Andrew Neil has said, either Andy Coulson was complicit or just incompetent.
Wily Trout
July 14th, 2009 2:25pm Report this commentLabour and their media cronies are looking increasingly desperate trying to flog this dead horse in the face of the increasing unrest over Afghanistan casualties.
Scott
July 14th, 2009 2:36pm Report this commentSo, what was the BBC, in collusion with the Guardian, trying to cover over for the Labour Party these last couple weeks?
dennis
July 14th, 2009 2:59pm Report this commentSo 27 journalists and a number of senior editorial executives knew all about this but Andy Coulson didn't?
Unless I have got hopelessly confused by the multiple timelines, the 27 names relate to requests for info made from a private detective in Hants before Andy Coulson became editor. His predecessor was socially and politically close to the Labour Party. I thought Nick Davies was rather impressive this morning. This story will run - but it may not be Coulson or the Conservatives who end up being damaged.
colin
July 14th, 2009 3:20pm Report this commentWill we be told cost to the public purse of all these inquiries by parliament, police, PCC and DPP?
And will the bill be sent to the Guardian when it is all proved to be a waste of time?
Not holding my breath.
Lib Dem
July 14th, 2009 3:22pm Report this commentLooks like the Tory astro-turfing has started.... nothing on Coulson yet, but clearly NI now has a case to answer, as does Yates. If this is or was part of the organisational culture at NOTW, then Coulson may yet have some explaining to do. Finally, it's good old-fashioned public interest journalism from the Guardian, rather than the sleazy and prurient "public interest" claimed by the NOTW.
drakes drum
July 14th, 2009 3:53pm Report this commentLib Dem..no doubt you would support your hopeless and stupid Home Affairs spokesman who changed Lib Dem policy:- A MAN IS GUILTY BEFORE HE IS FOUND INNOCENT!
Never have I heard a more stupid statement than Huume's. No wonder people will trust your lot with government.
TrevorsDen
July 14th, 2009 4:26pm Report this commentA poor effort, Mr Screws - the exact phrase was:
"the names of 27 journalists from the NoW and four from the Sun who used a private investigator to get information."
Journalists protect their sources - didn't you know that? I wonder if the Editor of the telegraph knows the source of the expenses leak?
And come off it 'LibDem' - the Guardian story is a pathetic smear.
Lib Dem
July 14th, 2009 4:26pm Report this commentThanks for the endorsement, DD.
David Ossitt
July 14th, 2009 7:31pm Report this commentDD.
"No wonder people will trust your lot with government"
And the missing word is 'not' I repeat 'not'.
Red Rag
July 14th, 2009 7:49pm Report this commentCoulson knew rock all....he sat there with his fingers in his ears shouting "LAR LAR LAR I CANNOT HERE YOU" at the top of his voice.
Either Coulson is a complete and utter liar (liars stick together so Cameron will never sack him) or he was totally useless at his job and those below him did whatever they wanted.
It think he is a complete and utter lying twat who is speaking out of his Osborne, IMHO.
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