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Coulson 'didn't condone hacking' | |
(30 minutes later) | |
Conservative communications chief Andy Coulson has told MPs he did not "condone or use" phone hacking when he was editor of the News of the World. | |
Mr Coulson quit as the editor after a reporter was jailed for hacking. | |
Although he said he had not known about it, he told the culture committee he regretted things going "badly wrong" and had taken responsibility by going. | |
The hearing began with the paper's lawyer saying Labour MP Tom Watson should not be allowed to question them. | |
The legal chief threatened to complain to the Parliamentary authorities if Mr Watson, who is involved in a legal case with News International, took part in the questioning. | |
Mr Watson, whose legal action is with the News of the World's sister paper The Sun, accused the firm of "attempting to interfere with the work of the committee". | |
Hacking allegations | Hacking allegations |
Committee chairman, Tory MP John Whittingdale, said advice from the Speaker's counsel was that it did not interfere with his ability to take part in the inquiry. | |
Mr Whittingdale began by saying he had stood aside as a member of the Conservative Party board, which is the employer of ex-News of the World editor Andy Coulson, during the committee's investigation. | |
News International lawyer Tom Crone and News of the World editor Colin Myler, who also gave evidence before Mr Coulson's grillign began, confirmed News International had made a payment to Gordon Taylor, head of the Professional Footballers' Association, and two others, which was the basis of The Guardian's phone hacking allegations. | |
Tom Crone: 'It seems to us quite impromper that Mr Watson is sitting on this panel' | Tom Crone: 'It seems to us quite impromper that Mr Watson is sitting on this panel' |
The Guardian has also claimed up to 3,000 public figures had their phones hacked in an attempt to obtain stories. | The Guardian has also claimed up to 3,000 public figures had their phones hacked in an attempt to obtain stories. |
But Mr Myler reacted angrily to his staff being accused of what he called "systematic illegality", asking the committee: "Where is the evidence?" | But Mr Myler reacted angrily to his staff being accused of what he called "systematic illegality", asking the committee: "Where is the evidence?" |
News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman was jailed two years ago after pleading guilty to hacking into the phone messages of royal staff. Private investigator Glen Mulcaire was also jailed. | News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman was jailed two years ago after pleading guilty to hacking into the phone messages of royal staff. Private investigator Glen Mulcaire was also jailed. |
Mr Coulson, who was editor of the News of the World between 2003 and 2007, resigned but he denied being aware of what was going on in the Goodman case. | Mr Coulson, who was editor of the News of the World between 2003 and 2007, resigned but he denied being aware of what was going on in the Goodman case. |
He said he resigned because he bore "ultimate responsibility" for what happened "on his watch". | He said he resigned because he bore "ultimate responsibility" for what happened "on his watch". |
Last week the Guardian claimed the practice was much more widespread, affecting "thousands" of celebrities and politicians. | Last week the Guardian claimed the practice was much more widespread, affecting "thousands" of celebrities and politicians. |