Cameron promises public inquiry on hacking

THE Prime Minister has bowed to calls for a public inquiry into the News of the World phone-hacking scandal as more major firms pulled advertising and furious MPs rounded on its parent company, News International.

Media baron Rupert Murdoch broke his silence yesterday to describe the phone hacking at his best-selling British newspaper as “deplorable” – but nonetheless gave his backing to his chief executive Rebekah Brooks, who was editor when some of the worst offences allegedly took place.

It emerged last night that Chancellor George Osborne’s private home phone number was among those held by the newspaper’s investigator Glenn Mulcaire.

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Commercial pressure is mounting over claims employees hacked into the voicemails of high-profile victims including murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler and the families of victims of the 7/7 bombings. Halifax and the Co-op have now joined Ford, Vauxhall, Mitsubishi, Butlins and Virgin in suspending advertising.

David Cameron yesterday faced a flurry of questions in the Commons, telling MPs an inquiry into the affair is now necessary.

“Everyone will be revolted by what they have heard and what they have seen on their television screens,” the Prime Minister said.

His words were echoed by Mr Murdoch, who condemned the allegations but said his firm’s investigation would continue “under the leadership of Rebekah Brooks”. However, claims have emerged that Mrs Brooks was warned about inappropriate surveillance by police in 2002.

The Press Complaints Commission is also to launch a review of “all aspects of press regulation.”