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Dominic Mohan faces MPs and peers; PIs and mobile firms at Leveson inquiry Dominic Mohan faces MPs and peers; PIs and mobile firms at Leveson inquiry
(40 minutes later)
1.07pm: The inquiry has broken for lunch. William Butler will return at 2pm.1.07pm: The inquiry has broken for lunch. William Butler will return at 2pm.
Lord Justice Leveson asks Butler to think about what the inquiry could do to "add weight" to the sense that regulation of the private security industry "should happen sooner rather than later".Lord Justice Leveson asks Butler to think about what the inquiry could do to "add weight" to the sense that regulation of the private security industry "should happen sooner rather than later".
Leveson says that Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ, has submitted a statement that deals with technicalities of hearing anonymous evidence from journalists. He invites submissions from the other core participants.Leveson says that Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ, has submitted a statement that deals with technicalities of hearing anonymous evidence from journalists. He invites submissions from the other core participants.
1.03pm: The Hacked Off campaign has just tweeted:1.03pm: The Hacked Off campaign has just tweeted:
Butler: There's a willingness to move forward and get PIs into regulation but with the best will in the world, not quickly. #LevesonButler: There's a willingness to move forward and get PIs into regulation but with the best will in the world, not quickly. #Leveson
— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012
1.00pm: Butler says that the private security industry will soon no longer be regulated by a non-departmental public body, as is the case now.1.00pm: Butler says that the private security industry will soon no longer be regulated by a non-departmental public body, as is the case now.
The SIA will be abolished in the future and replaced with an independent body with statutory underpinning. It will conduct a "fit and proper" test to allow practitioners to work in the private security industry.The SIA will be abolished in the future and replaced with an independent body with statutory underpinning. It will conduct a "fit and proper" test to allow practitioners to work in the private security industry.
12.52pm: Butler says the SIA has "failed singularly" to bring private investigators under its regulation.12.52pm: Butler says the SIA has "failed singularly" to bring private investigators under its regulation.
However, the SIA does regulate those "involved in private investigations," Butler says.However, the SIA does regulate those "involved in private investigations," Butler says.
12.48pm: William Butler, chief executive of the Security Industry Authority, has taken the stand. The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the private security industry.12.48pm: William Butler, chief executive of the Security Industry Authority, has taken the stand. The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the private security industry.
David Barr, junior counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.David Barr, junior counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.
12.47pm: Hunt has completed his evidence and we will switch to coverage of the Leveson inquiry.12.47pm: Hunt has completed his evidence and we will switch to coverage of the Leveson inquiry.
12.37pm: Hunt says the PCC should have a sanction if there has been a "systemic" breach of the code.12.37pm: Hunt says the PCC should have a sanction if there has been a "systemic" breach of the code.
"The important thing is to always have those teeth," he says."The important thing is to always have those teeth," he says.
He describes the Christopher Jefferies coverage as "unacceptable", adding that the press doesn't say sorry enough.He describes the Christopher Jefferies coverage as "unacceptable", adding that the press doesn't say sorry enough.
Hunt says he would want advice from experts before he concludes that the malpractice was systemic. "I certainly think it was evidence of a serious lapse," he says, when asked whether newspapers would be fined for the Jefferies coverage under the new system.Hunt says he would want advice from experts before he concludes that the malpractice was systemic. "I certainly think it was evidence of a serious lapse," he says, when asked whether newspapers would be fined for the Jefferies coverage under the new system.
12.36pm: A Labour councillor has just tweeted that websites being regulated by the PCC is "a bit Hungarian", after Lord Hunt suggested that the Guido Fawkes blog could come under the system.12.36pm: A Labour councillor has just tweeted that websites being regulated by the PCC is "a bit Hungarian", after Lord Hunt suggested that the Guido Fawkes blog could come under the system.
.@JoshHalliday Why should a website be part of the new PCC? Isn't this getting a bit Hungarian.... @GuidoFawkes.@JoshHalliday Why should a website be part of the new PCC? Isn't this getting a bit Hungarian.... @GuidoFawkes
— Michael Harris (@cllr_mikeharris) February 2, 2012— Michael Harris (@cllr_mikeharris) February 2, 2012
12.35pm: Lord Hunt says there is scope for much more effective internal complaints handling within newspapers.12.35pm: Lord Hunt says there is scope for much more effective internal complaints handling within newspapers.
The idea of a readers' editor has been raised more than once by Lord Justice Leveson and his counsel.The idea of a readers' editor has been raised more than once by Lord Justice Leveson and his counsel.
12.34pm: Paul Staines, better known as Guido Fawkes, has tweeted that he was "just being polite" when he told Lord Hunt he would consider involvement in a kitemarking system under the reformed PCC.12.34pm: Paul Staines, better known as Guido Fawkes, has tweeted that he was "just being polite" when he told Lord Hunt he would consider involvement in a kitemarking system under the reformed PCC.
Was just being polite >> @JoshHalliday Lord Hunt, chairman of PCC, says @GuidoFawkes promised to "consider" becoming part of new PCCWas just being polite >> @JoshHalliday Lord Hunt, chairman of PCC, says @GuidoFawkes promised to "consider" becoming part of new PCC
— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) February 2, 2012— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) February 2, 2012
He adds:He adds:
Lord Hunt is a charmer, told me his kids printed out the profane comments from a Guido blog piece about him and put them on his fridge.Lord Hunt is a charmer, told me his kids printed out the profane comments from a Guido blog piece about him and put them on his fridge.
— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) February 2, 2012— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) February 2, 2012
12.19pm: Hunt says he hopes to persuade people that editors are the best judge of the PCC code of practice.12.19pm: Hunt says he hopes to persuade people that editors are the best judge of the PCC code of practice.
The overall board of PCC management should be made up of an "independent majority," Hunt says. But these independent majority should have close access to people who are industry experts.The overall board of PCC management should be made up of an "independent majority," Hunt says. But these independent majority should have close access to people who are industry experts.
12.17pm: Hunt says he has always felt peer review is a very effective system, when asked whether serving editors should sit on the new PCC.12.17pm: Hunt says he has always felt peer review is a very effective system, when asked whether serving editors should sit on the new PCC.
"People value their reputation, particularly before people in the same line of business," he says."People value their reputation, particularly before people in the same line of business," he says.
He adds that "the independent side of the new body" needs people who are "close to the heart of the industry" if they are to make informed decisions.He adds that "the independent side of the new body" needs people who are "close to the heart of the industry" if they are to make informed decisions.
12.13pm: Hunt says he is determined that signing up to the new PCC will give "excellent value" to all publishers.12.13pm: Hunt says he is determined that signing up to the new PCC will give "excellent value" to all publishers.
He says the industry needs to seize this opportunity to put its house in order "otherwise all sorts of consequences may follow".He says the industry needs to seize this opportunity to put its house in order "otherwise all sorts of consequences may follow".
He adds that he will forever be strongly opposed to statutory regulation of the press.He adds that he will forever be strongly opposed to statutory regulation of the press.
12.10pm: Lord Hunt is asked about the five-year rolling contracts that would bind publishers to the reformed PCC.12.10pm: Lord Hunt is asked about the five-year rolling contracts that would bind publishers to the reformed PCC.
He says there should be "serious financial as well as reputational consequences" for publishers that opt out of the new PCC.He says there should be "serious financial as well as reputational consequences" for publishers that opt out of the new PCC.
12.09pm: The Hacked Off campaign has just tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:12.09pm: The Hacked Off campaign has just tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:
Palmer: I conducted a check today, Derek Webb has not been an IPI member for 3-5 years.Imossi showed me his certificate dated 2005. #LevesonPalmer: I conducted a check today, Derek Webb has not been an IPI member for 3-5 years.Imossi showed me his certificate dated 2005. #Leveson
— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012
12.04pm: Hunt says he will be able to put forward proposals that will satisfy concerns raised in the past by the joint committee on privacy and injunctions.12.04pm: Hunt says he will be able to put forward proposals that will satisfy concerns raised in the past by the joint committee on privacy and injunctions.
He says he is less certain about the so-called "third column" of the PCC which would aim to mediate and settle legal complaints out of court.He says he is less certain about the so-called "third column" of the PCC which would aim to mediate and settle legal complaints out of court.
12.02pm: Lord Hunt is asked about social media.12.02pm: Lord Hunt is asked about social media.
He says he has had a "very good" discussion with Paul Staines of the Guido Fawkes blog. Staines told Hunt that what he writes is "always accurate".He says he has had a "very good" discussion with Paul Staines of the Guido Fawkes blog. Staines told Hunt that what he writes is "always accurate".
Staines "promised to go away and consider" being kitemarked under the new PCC, Hunt says.Staines "promised to go away and consider" being kitemarked under the new PCC, Hunt says.
11.55am: Our reporter Lisa O'Carroll has just filed this from the Leveson inquiry where O2's Adrian Gorham, Everything Everywhere's James Blendis and Vodafone's Mark Hughes have been giving evidence about phone hacking:11.55am: Our reporter Lisa O'Carroll has just filed this from the Leveson inquiry where O2's Adrian Gorham, Everything Everywhere's James Blendis and Vodafone's Mark Hughes have been giving evidence about phone hacking:
Mobile phone companies have said they were given two suspect numbers to check against their records that they now understand to belong to the News of the World.Mobile phone companies have said they were given two suspect numbers to check against their records that they now understand to belong to the News of the World.
Vodafone said after an internal investigation it discover that 177 unique voicemail boxes were called by these numbers relating to 40 victims.Vodafone said after an internal investigation it discover that 177 unique voicemail boxes were called by these numbers relating to 40 victims.
O2 said its checks showed that 40 victims were phoned by these numbers, while Orange identified 45 victims.O2 said its checks showed that 40 victims were phoned by these numbers, while Orange identified 45 victims.
T-Mobile identified 70 victims, some of whose numbers it said belonged to News of the World journalists. The head of legal for the company, James Blendis, said this may have been because someone was trying to test their activities.T-Mobile identified 70 victims, some of whose numbers it said belonged to News of the World journalists. The head of legal for the company, James Blendis, said this may have been because someone was trying to test their activities.
"Some of the numbers were journalists at the News of the World so that is likely that there was some trial and error of the process," said Blendis."Some of the numbers were journalists at the News of the World so that is likely that there was some trial and error of the process," said Blendis.
It is understood the police asked the mobile phone companies about the suspect numbers in 2006.It is understood the police asked the mobile phone companies about the suspect numbers in 2006.
T-Mobile did not contact customers until January 2012 after being asked verbally by police not to. Orange and T-Mobile did not notify those affected until last July, while Vodafone did not contact customers until last month
11.51am: Hunt says he has not detected any difference in consensus between the editors of tabloid and quality newspapers.11.51am: Hunt says he has not detected any difference in consensus between the editors of tabloid and quality newspapers.
He adds that at the Leveson inquiry on Wednesday when Lord Black, chairman of PCC funding body PressBof, was giving evidence he got the impression that there was "an urgency developing" around the proposals for a new PCC. "I don't think time can just await further reports, further decisions – self-regulation decides what it is and the industry puts its own house in order," he says.He adds that at the Leveson inquiry on Wednesday when Lord Black, chairman of PCC funding body PressBof, was giving evidence he got the impression that there was "an urgency developing" around the proposals for a new PCC. "I don't think time can just await further reports, further decisions – self-regulation decides what it is and the industry puts its own house in order," he says.
Hunt says he had a "very helpful" discussion with Richard Desmond who made clear he was "perfectly prepared to listen" to any proposals for a new PCC.Hunt says he had a "very helpful" discussion with Richard Desmond who made clear he was "perfectly prepared to listen" to any proposals for a new PCC.
George Eustace MP says: "You're absolutely right that there's a strong consensus among party leaders" in favour of self-regulation for the press.George Eustace MP says: "You're absolutely right that there's a strong consensus among party leaders" in favour of self-regulation for the press.
11.47am: We're still at the joint Commons and Lords privacy and injunctions committee where Lord Hunt, recently-installed chairman of the PCC, is giving evidence.11.47am: We're still at the joint Commons and Lords privacy and injunctions committee where Lord Hunt, recently-installed chairman of the PCC, is giving evidence.
11.42am: The editor of the Times, James Harding, is to be recalled to the Leveson inquiry, following disclosures that the paper used email hacking to identify a police blogger known as Nightjack. Harding did not disclose the full circumstances when he was previously questioned by the inquiry.11.42am: The editor of the Times, James Harding, is to be recalled to the Leveson inquiry, following disclosures that the paper used email hacking to identify a police blogger known as Nightjack. Harding did not disclose the full circumstances when he was previously questioned by the inquiry.
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
11.41am: Mohan, Caseby and Walford have completed their evidence.11.41am: Mohan, Caseby and Walford have completed their evidence.
11.40am: Mohan says he likes the idea of a kitemarking system which would go to those who are members of the new PCC. He suggests that non-kitemarkers could not charge such high advertising rates.11.40am: Mohan says he likes the idea of a kitemarking system which would go to those who are members of the new PCC. He suggests that non-kitemarkers could not charge such high advertising rates.
11.38am: Index on Censorship has just tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:11.38am: Index on Censorship has just tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:
Imossi: can't for the life of me think why investigator would take such a risk by intercepting voicemail #levesonImossi: can't for the life of me think why investigator would take such a risk by intercepting voicemail #leveson
— IndexLeveson (@IndexLeveson) February 2, 2012— IndexLeveson (@IndexLeveson) February 2, 2012
The Hacked Off campaign has tweeted:The Hacked Off campaign has tweeted:
Imossi: ICO What Price Privacy report was a shock and awe document to expose the extent of the problem. #LevesonImossi: ICO What Price Privacy report was a shock and awe document to expose the extent of the problem. #Leveson
— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012
and:and:
Imossi: I think hacking and blagging is an ongoing issue. I certainly wasn't aware hacking was being used at the time. #LevesonImossi: I think hacking and blagging is an ongoing issue. I certainly wasn't aware hacking was being used at the time. #Leveson
— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012— Hacked off (@hackinginquiry) February 2, 2012
11.35am: Mohan describes a PCC adjudication as a "badge of shame" that could eventually raise questions over that journalist's editorship.11.35am: Mohan describes a PCC adjudication as a "badge of shame" that could eventually raise questions over that journalist's editorship.
11.31am: Mohan is asked whether he has not run a story that later ended up in a rival newspaper.11.31am: Mohan is asked whether he has not run a story that later ended up in a rival newspaper.
He chose not to run a story about Dannii Minogue's pregnancy, but another newspaper ran it and subsequently had a PCC complaint upheld against them, Mohan says.He chose not to run a story about Dannii Minogue's pregnancy, but another newspaper ran it and subsequently had a PCC complaint upheld against them, Mohan says.
There is laughter among the MPs and Lords when Mohan says Sun readers would have been very interested in Minogue's pregnancy.There is laughter among the MPs and Lords when Mohan says Sun readers would have been very interested in Minogue's pregnancy.
"It might not count many of you as among them, but the Sun does have 7.5 million readers," says Caseby."It might not count many of you as among them, but the Sun does have 7.5 million readers," says Caseby.
11.27am: Caseby says he would not welcome any legislation of print media that did not take in online media.11.27am: Caseby says he would not welcome any legislation of print media that did not take in online media.
"A lot of print media is basically fighting for survival at the minute," he tells the committee."A lot of print media is basically fighting for survival at the minute," he tells the committee.
11.25am: Mohan says that earlier this week he saw "highly prejudicial" material posted on Twitter in relation to the Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial.11.25am: Mohan says that earlier this week he saw "highly prejudicial" material posted on Twitter in relation to the Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial.
Caseby says "we just want to be treated the same" as social media. He acknowledges that it is a "massively difficult" problem to grapple with.Caseby says "we just want to be treated the same" as social media. He acknowledges that it is a "massively difficult" problem to grapple with.
Legal counsel from Twitter last week indicated to the joint committee that it would comply with court orders and injunctions in the UK.Legal counsel from Twitter last week indicated to the joint committee that it would comply with court orders and injunctions in the UK.
11.23am: Labour MP Tom Watson has published what he says is a letter from the Metropolitan police confirming that it is looking into allegations of email hacking at the Times.11.23am: Labour MP Tom Watson has published what he says is a letter from the Metropolitan police confirming that it is looking into allegations of email hacking at the Times.
11.22am: The Sun executives are asked about the breaching of injunctions on Twitter and other social networks.11.22am: The Sun executives are asked about the breaching of injunctions on Twitter and other social networks.
Caseby says that Twitter is a "rival media" to newspapers. Mohan says "we are competing for eyeballs with social media".Caseby says that Twitter is a "rival media" to newspapers. Mohan says "we are competing for eyeballs with social media".
On the Ryan Giggs injunction, Mohan says he was "very very" aware that many millions of Sun readers probably already knew the person behind the injunction.On the Ryan Giggs injunction, Mohan says he was "very very" aware that many millions of Sun readers probably already knew the person behind the injunction.
"That ultimately, I would say, could put us out of business," Mohan says."That ultimately, I would say, could put us out of business," Mohan says.
11.20am: Mohan tells the joint committee that he put a story to a well-known celebrity's agent who then demanded £5,000 or they would leak the story to a rival newspaper, which they later did.11.20am: Mohan tells the joint committee that he put a story to a well-known celebrity's agent who then demanded £5,000 or they would leak the story to a rival newspaper, which they later did.
He says this would make him think twice about giving that celebrity prior notification of stories in the future.He says this would make him think twice about giving that celebrity prior notification of stories in the future.
11.19am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins had just tweeted:11.19am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins had just tweeted:
PI org chief Imossi says he "took it upon myself" to track down Derek Webb, Notw det, says Webb wasn't licensed as Webb claimed #levesonPI org chief Imossi says he "took it upon myself" to track down Derek Webb, Notw det, says Webb wasn't licensed as Webb claimed #leveson
— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012
11.17am: The Sun trio are asked about prior notification and privacy.11.17am: The Sun trio are asked about prior notification and privacy.
Mohan says in "90%-95%" of cases the Sun will pre-notify the subject of stories. However, he says he is not sure it would be workable to make prior notification mandatory.Mohan says in "90%-95%" of cases the Sun will pre-notify the subject of stories. However, he says he is not sure it would be workable to make prior notification mandatory.
11.12am: Mohan says he admonished staff over the Christopher Jefferies case for a "general slip in standards".11.12am: Mohan says he admonished staff over the Christopher Jefferies case for a "general slip in standards".
"Looking back on it I think there should have been more [criticism]," he says. He adds that he has issued more letters of admonishment since."Looking back on it I think there should have been more [criticism]," he says. He adds that he has issued more letters of admonishment since.
11.09am: Mohan says "we've learned our lesson" when asked about the Sun's Christopher Jefferies stories, which resulted in a libel settlement, along with seven other papers, and an £18,000 fine for contempt of court. The Daily Mirror was fined £50,000 for contempt of court.11.09am: Mohan says "we've learned our lesson" when asked about the Sun's Christopher Jefferies stories, which resulted in a libel settlement, along with seven other papers, and an £18,000 fine for contempt of court. The Daily Mirror was fined £50,000 for contempt of court.
He apologises to Jefferies for the coverage from December 2010 to January 2011, at which time he was on holiday.He apologises to Jefferies for the coverage from December 2010 to January 2011, at which time he was on holiday.
"I've verbally admonished everyone involved in that story," he says. "I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise to Mr Jefferies.""I've verbally admonished everyone involved in that story," he says. "I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise to Mr Jefferies."
"We've learned our lessons. We have exercised restraint," Mohan says."We've learned our lessons. We have exercised restraint," Mohan says.
11.07am: Caseby says there have been a lot of changes in media law since the Kelvin MacKenzie "lob it in" school of journalism.11.07am: Caseby says there have been a lot of changes in media law since the Kelvin MacKenzie "lob it in" school of journalism.
"We're engulfed by it now," he says of media law. He adds that in contrast to the "lob it in" school, the Sun is more "Rafel Nadal doing a well-executed, forensic serve"."We're engulfed by it now," he says of media law. He adds that in contrast to the "lob it in" school, the Sun is more "Rafel Nadal doing a well-executed, forensic serve".
11.06am: Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted from the Leveson inquiry:11.06am: Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted from the Leveson inquiry:
#leveson vodafone says suspect news int line contacted 177 voicemails relating to 40 victims. O2 40 victims, orange 45, tmobile 71#leveson vodafone says suspect news int line contacted 177 voicemails relating to 40 victims. O2 40 victims, orange 45, tmobile 71
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012
11.06am: Mohan says there would be "big questions asked" if there were eight injunctions running for stories "that might only run on page 18".11.06am: Mohan says there would be "big questions asked" if there were eight injunctions running for stories "that might only run on page 18".
11.03am: The PCC code has been made "really prominent" in News International staff contracts, says Caseby.11.03am: The PCC code has been made "really prominent" in News International staff contracts, says Caseby.
11.00am: The three witnesses are asked whether they are choosing not to publish stories because of the "heat" on the press at the moment.11.00am: The three witnesses are asked whether they are choosing not to publish stories because of the "heat" on the press at the moment.
Mohan raises an example of a sting operation from several months ago and says "we weren't cowed" then and have not been cowed on several stories since.Mohan raises an example of a sting operation from several months ago and says "we weren't cowed" then and have not been cowed on several stories since.
Caseby says since July the Sun has logged every discussion about public interest.Caseby says since July the Sun has logged every discussion about public interest.
10.57am: Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted from the Leveson inquiry:10.57am: Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted from the Leveson inquiry:
#leveson ICO breaches of data between 08 and 11. BT: 42. Vodafone 18. Talk talk: 12, sky 10, orange1,#leveson ICO breaches of data between 08 and 11. BT: 42. Vodafone 18. Talk talk: 12, sky 10, orange1,
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012
10.56am: Mohan says the Sun had "quite a number" of injunctions awarded against the paper last year. The Sun did hold back from publishing stories out of a fear of injunctions, he says.10.56am: Mohan says the Sun had "quite a number" of injunctions awarded against the paper last year. The Sun did hold back from publishing stories out of a fear of injunctions, he says.
He says the Sun will choose to fight one or two that he thinks the readers will be interested in.He says the Sun will choose to fight one or two that he thinks the readers will be interested in.
Mohan says he chose not to run about a story about an actor suffering from depression because he saw it as an invasion of her privacy. The actor later sold her story to a rival newspaper "for quite a large amount of money," he says.Mohan says he chose not to run about a story about an actor suffering from depression because he saw it as an invasion of her privacy. The actor later sold her story to a rival newspaper "for quite a large amount of money," he says.
10.54am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins has tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:10.54am: The BBC's Ross Hawkins has tweeted this update from the Leveson inquiry:
Vodafone rep says doesn't know why they didn't do more to act on whistleblower evidence about ease of phone hacking when 1st warned #levesonVodafone rep says doesn't know why they didn't do more to act on whistleblower evidence about ease of phone hacking when 1st warned #leveson
— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012
He adds:He adds:
Since 2009 13 Vodafone investigations into personaldata security breaches have resulted in dismissal or disciplinary action #levesonSince 2009 13 Vodafone investigations into personaldata security breaches have resulted in dismissal or disciplinary action #leveson
— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) February 2, 2012
10.51am: Caseby says the Sun team run newspapers not corporate communications, when asked to justify how they "treat individual cases" of public interest.10.51am: Caseby says the Sun team run newspapers not corporate communications, when asked to justify how they "treat individual cases" of public interest.
"There is no getting away from the fact these are difficult times of News International, difficult times for the Sun," says Caseby."There is no getting away from the fact these are difficult times of News International, difficult times for the Sun," says Caseby.
He says phone hacking was "truly shocking" and he was "aghast" at it.He says phone hacking was "truly shocking" and he was "aghast" at it.
Caseby is asked about an alleged News International cover-up.Caseby is asked about an alleged News International cover-up.
He says: "I don't necessarily agree that that's true, but I don't know everything that's been done."He says: "I don't necessarily agree that that's true, but I don't know everything that's been done."
A committee member says to Caseby: You"'re talking about freedom of expression being sacred... One of the great problems we have with this committee is members of the press talking about the importance of freedom of the press – and the committee agrees about the importance of this – but not living up to it in their own behaviour."A committee member says to Caseby: You"'re talking about freedom of expression being sacred... One of the great problems we have with this committee is members of the press talking about the importance of freedom of the press – and the committee agrees about the importance of this – but not living up to it in their own behaviour."
10.46am: Caseby says he would like parliament to have a go at better defining the public interest with regards to privacy law.10.46am: Caseby says he would like parliament to have a go at better defining the public interest with regards to privacy law.
He says that public interest in the PCC code reflects current mood is "tremendously flexible", compared to the "three-ton sloth" of statute.He says that public interest in the PCC code reflects current mood is "tremendously flexible", compared to the "three-ton sloth" of statute.
10.42am: Our media reporter Lisa O'Carroll has this update from the Leveson inquiry:10.42am: Our media reporter Lisa O'Carroll has this update from the Leveson inquiry:
#leveson all three mobile phone execs say no customer service staff have access to info showing location of phone.#leveson all three mobile phone execs say no customer service staff have access to info showing location of phone.
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) February 2, 2012
10.41am: Ben Fenton, the FT's media correspondent, has just tweeted:10.41am: Ben Fenton, the FT's media correspondent, has just tweeted:
Caseby:There is legal software for £5K with 50m UK phone numbers 14m mobiles. 10m ex-directory numbers. A disconnection. #privacyCaseby:There is legal software for £5K with 50m UK phone numbers 14m mobiles. 10m ex-directory numbers. A disconnection. #privacy
— Ben Fenton (@benfenton) February 2, 2012— Ben Fenton (@benfenton) February 2, 2012
10.39am: Caseby talks about modern technology and says that "the world is moving under people's feet" with regarding privacy.10.39am: Caseby talks about modern technology and says that "the world is moving under people's feet" with regarding privacy.
He moves on to ex-directory telephone numbers, saying there is a "disconnection" between the outrage over journalists discovering ex-directory numbers while people are using modern technology to upload details about their private life.He moves on to ex-directory telephone numbers, saying there is a "disconnection" between the outrage over journalists discovering ex-directory numbers while people are using modern technology to upload details about their private life.
"We are arguing about how are we going to stop this horse and cart when people are whizzing by in a Model T Ford," he says."We are arguing about how are we going to stop this horse and cart when people are whizzing by in a Model T Ford," he says.
10.37am: Walford tells the committee that the high court is the best place to decide issues relating to privacy.10.37am: Walford tells the committee that the high court is the best place to decide issues relating to privacy.
"To me it is the court's decision … as a lawyer I do have trust in the courts and in the judges," he says."To me it is the court's decision … as a lawyer I do have trust in the courts and in the judges," he says.
He welcomes Rio Ferdinand losing his "kiss and tell" privacy case against the Sunday Mirror and says it proves there is a public interest defence for tabloid newspapers.He welcomes Rio Ferdinand losing his "kiss and tell" privacy case against the Sunday Mirror and says it proves there is a public interest defence for tabloid newspapers.
10.32am: Caseby says there is a public interest in freedom of expression itself.10.32am: Caseby says there is a public interest in freedom of expression itself.
Mohan adds that the public interest is "impossible to define", even with guidance from the PCC code. He says it has to be defined on a case by case basis – and will not be decided by the Leveson inquiry.Mohan adds that the public interest is "impossible to define", even with guidance from the PCC code. He says it has to be defined on a case by case basis – and will not be decided by the Leveson inquiry.
Caseby contrasts the public interest on stories in the Sun from the Sunday Times, his former newspaper. "It's not the definition [of the public interest], it's the kind of stories you're doing," he says.Caseby contrasts the public interest on stories in the Sun from the Sunday Times, his former newspaper. "It's not the definition [of the public interest], it's the kind of stories you're doing," he says.
"Hypocrisy" provides a public interest for certain stories, Caseby says, mentioning stories about footballers who had spoken widely about their private life in newspapers."Hypocrisy" provides a public interest for certain stories, Caseby says, mentioning stories about footballers who had spoken widely about their private life in newspapers.
Rio Ferdinand talked in interviews and on Twitter about how he was happily married – when this got to court judge ruled that he was being hypocritical, Caseby says.Rio Ferdinand talked in interviews and on Twitter about how he was happily married – when this got to court judge ruled that he was being hypocritical, Caseby says.
10.27am: The inquiry is under way.10.27am: The inquiry is under way.
Sun editor Dominic Mohan, News Group Newspapers group managing editor Richard Caseby and deputy legal manager Justin Walford are asked about the balance between privacy and freedom of expression.Sun editor Dominic Mohan, News Group Newspapers group managing editor Richard Caseby and deputy legal manager Justin Walford are asked about the balance between privacy and freedom of expression.
Mohan says that "freedom of expression carries a very very heavy weight" but that it has "moved in favour of privacy".Mohan says that "freedom of expression carries a very very heavy weight" but that it has "moved in favour of privacy".
He says he is concerned about injunctions and raises Fred Goodwin's gagging order against the Sun from last year.He says he is concerned about injunctions and raises Fred Goodwin's gagging order against the Sun from last year.
"Sexual behaviour can affect decision-making. It can affect judgment," Mohan says. "That was an example where privacy heavily outweighed freedom of expression.""Sexual behaviour can affect decision-making. It can affect judgment," Mohan says. "That was an example where privacy heavily outweighed freedom of expression."
He adds that any statutory involvement in this is the "thin end of the wedge" and "very very dangerous".He adds that any statutory involvement in this is the "thin end of the wedge" and "very very dangerous".
10.21am: Teh Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:10.21am: Teh Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Long loiter outside parliamentary ctte room waiting for Sun editor to give evidence. Mohan in conversation w Tom Newton DunnLong loiter outside parliamentary ctte room waiting for Sun editor to give evidence. Mohan in conversation w Tom Newton Dunn
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) February 2, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) February 2, 2012
10.20am: While we're waiting, Reuters has just published an analysis piece, headed: "Inside Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper cleanup operation".10.20am: While we're waiting, Reuters has just published an analysis piece, headed: "Inside Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper cleanup operation".
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
9.57am: The Metropolitan police is investigating alleged email hacking at the Times, in response to a letter from the Labour MP Tom Watson.9.57am: The Metropolitan police is investigating alleged email hacking at the Times, in response to a letter from the Labour MP Tom Watson.
Officers from Operation Tuleta, which is investigating breaches of privacy involving computers, are in contact with the MP in relation to "specific issues" he wishes to raise, Scotland Yard confirmed on Thursday.Officers from Operation Tuleta, which is investigating breaches of privacy involving computers, are in contact with the MP in relation to "specific issues" he wishes to raise, Scotland Yard confirmed on Thursday.
Watson wrote to the Met's deputy assistant commissioner, Sue Akers, on 23 January asking the force to investigate allegations of email hacking at the News International paper.Watson wrote to the Met's deputy assistant commissioner, Sue Akers, on 23 January asking the force to investigate allegations of email hacking at the News International paper.
The Met said in a statement: "We can confirm that a letter was received on Monday 23 January, from MP Tom Watson.The Met said in a statement: "We can confirm that a letter was received on Monday 23 January, from MP Tom Watson.
"Officers from Operation Tuleta are in contact with Mr Watson in relation to specific issues he wishes to raise. We are not prepared to give a running commentary on the Operation Tuleta investigation.""Officers from Operation Tuleta are in contact with Mr Watson in relation to specific issues he wishes to raise. We are not prepared to give a running commentary on the Operation Tuleta investigation."
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
9.55am: Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted that Dominic Mohan has been recalled to give more evidence to the Leveson inquiry.9.55am: Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted that Dominic Mohan has been recalled to give more evidence to the Leveson inquiry.
Dominic Mohan, Sun editor, has been recalled to Leveson Inquiry to give more evidence. Mohan also before MPs + peers this amDominic Mohan, Sun editor, has been recalled to Leveson Inquiry to give more evidence. Mohan also before MPs + peers this am
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) February 2, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) February 2, 2012
9.51am: Good morning and welcome to the joint Leveson and Westminster live blog.9.51am: Good morning and welcome to the joint Leveson and Westminster live blog.
This morning the live blog will be centred on the Sun editor, Dominic Mohan, who is giving evidence to a parliamentary committee on privacy and injunctions. Mohan will appear at 10.15am alongside Richard Caseby, managing editor of the publisher of the Sun, News Group Newspapers, and Justin Walford, legal manager of News Group Newspapers.This morning the live blog will be centred on the Sun editor, Dominic Mohan, who is giving evidence to a parliamentary committee on privacy and injunctions. Mohan will appear at 10.15am alongside Richard Caseby, managing editor of the publisher of the Sun, News Group Newspapers, and Justin Walford, legal manager of News Group Newspapers.
Lord Hunt, the new chairman of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), is also giving evidence to the join Commons and Lords committee.Lord Hunt, the new chairman of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), is also giving evidence to the join Commons and Lords committee.
We will have coverage from the Leveson inquiry, where bosses from the major mobile networks – including O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere – will give evidence on voicemail interception. private investigators industry will also appear.We will have coverage from the Leveson inquiry, where bosses from the major mobile networks – including O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere – will give evidence on voicemail interception. private investigators industry will also appear.
Our roving media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll, is at the high court for the Leveson inquiry. You can follow her on Twitter at @lisaocarroll. Dan Sabbagh, our head of media, is in Westminster for the Sun's appearance before the privacy and injunctions committee. He is on Twitter at @dansabbagh.Our roving media correspondent, Lisa O'Carroll, is at the high court for the Leveson inquiry. You can follow her on Twitter at @lisaocarroll. Dan Sabbagh, our head of media, is in Westminster for the Sun's appearance before the privacy and injunctions committee. He is on Twitter at @dansabbagh.