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Leveson inquiry: Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chris Sims - live Leveson inquiry: Bernard Hogan-Howe, Chris Sims - live
(40 minutes later)
4.18pm: Daily news demands are "getting faster and faster", says Sims, and it is not necessarily his job to provide the resources but he is aware of the issue.
4.17pm: Sims became aware of leaks at his force after an officer appeared as a "silhouette" on a local TV programme. That's good evidence, quips Leveson.
3.51pm: West Midlands is changing its policy on hospitality and gifts.
"Much more important than the gift is where it has arrived from … the old policy was too much about numbers," says Sims.
At the moment anything worth up to £75 may be accepted or given without recording of details. Higher amounts have to approved by a commander or a departmental head.
The force is moving away from this policy because financial value is not necessarily the best way to guard against corrupt practices.
"We shouldn't equate integrity with recording processes," says Sims. "Recording has very limited impact on personal behaviour."
3.44pm: "Controlled empowerment" is how Sims describes the West Midlands media policy. Officers can also be active on Twitter – some have thousands of followers but restrict posts to police matters.
West Midlands used social media "to counter false rumours from spreading" during last summer's riots.
3.39pm: Sims says he has never enjoyed the hospitality of local editors.
Sims worked at the Met for 15 years in the Met and says he says he has "certainly been surprised" to learn of the police-press relations exposed by the Leveson inquiry.
"I genuinely think they don't happen beyond that particular era and location," he adds.
3.28pm: Chief Inspector Chris Seeley, who acts up as head of press and PR at the West Midlands police, takes teh stand alongside her boss Chris Sims, chief constable at the force.3.28pm: Chief Inspector Chris Seeley, who acts up as head of press and PR at the West Midlands police, takes teh stand alongside her boss Chris Sims, chief constable at the force.
West Midlands police is the second biggest force in the country with 13,000 staff, 30 of whom work in the communications department.West Midlands police is the second biggest force in the country with 13,000 staff, 30 of whom work in the communications department.
3.18pm: Local papers are going through "painful" times, with pressure from a squeeze on revenue and online competition, say Faber.3.18pm: Local papers are going through "painful" times, with pressure from a squeeze on revenue and online competition, say Faber.
The past few years have been extremely painful for regional newspapers in terms of declining revenues, in terms of the switch from the printed word online.The past few years have been extremely painful for regional newspapers in terms of declining revenues, in terms of the switch from the printed word online.
Leveson wants to know how it has affected journalism practice.Leveson wants to know how it has affected journalism practice.
As far as the Express & Star goes, we are still in the lucky position to have something like 100 journalists, so we still go to court, go to council meetings to the boroughs we serve, go to crown court, go to magistrates' court.As far as the Express & Star goes, we are still in the lucky position to have something like 100 journalists, so we still go to court, go to council meetings to the boroughs we serve, go to crown court, go to magistrates' court.
People having to work harder, quicker and there is increasing pressure. The problem all newspapers face is having to resource websites and at the samettime attempt to make money.People having to work harder, quicker and there is increasing pressure. The problem all newspapers face is having to resource websites and at the samettime attempt to make money.
Faber has now finished giving evidence.Faber has now finished giving evidence.
3.08pm: Faber is now joining a long list of editors and reporters who have appeared before the inquiry to voice concern over proposals forcing officers to record all meetings with journalists.3.08pm: Faber is now joining a long list of editors and reporters who have appeared before the inquiry to voice concern over proposals forcing officers to record all meetings with journalists.
He says it would lead to officers "slightly looking over your shoulder and saying should I be saying this?".He says it would lead to officers "slightly looking over your shoulder and saying should I be saying this?".
There now follows a lengthy exchange with Leveson on this point. Faber says he worries about such a "codification" but Leveson suggests everyone has to be "sensible" about it – noting a meeting of an officer on a street may not, for example, be worth recording.There now follows a lengthy exchange with Leveson on this point. Faber says he worries about such a "codification" but Leveson suggests everyone has to be "sensible" about it – noting a meeting of an officer on a street may not, for example, be worth recording.
2.57pm: The Express & Star doesn't spend much more than 71p a week on expenses per reporter.2.57pm: The Express & Star doesn't spend much more than 71p a week on expenses per reporter.
Like its Welsh counterpart, the paper has a very limited hospitality which could include an "occasional" football match and an "occasional drink", says Faber. Asked if it would be a similar outlay to the South Wales Echo, he replies: "It wouldn't be much more."Like its Welsh counterpart, the paper has a very limited hospitality which could include an "occasional" football match and an "occasional drink", says Faber. Asked if it would be a similar outlay to the South Wales Echo, he replies: "It wouldn't be much more."
2.52pm: The Exress & Star reporters have the telephone numbers of up to 70 officers and press officers.2.52pm: The Exress & Star reporters have the telephone numbers of up to 70 officers and press officers.
2.50pm: Back to Faber. He says readers are "intelligent enough" to make their own mind up about crime statistics, while the police fear issuing figures will alarm local communities.2.50pm: Back to Faber. He says readers are "intelligent enough" to make their own mind up about crime statistics, while the police fear issuing figures will alarm local communities.
He says most meetings with police are in the office, but he doesn't see anything wrong with "a drink or a coffee or a sandwich" but if "it starts to get more elaborate than that" the boundaries can become blurred.He says most meetings with police are in the office, but he doesn't see anything wrong with "a drink or a coffee or a sandwich" but if "it starts to get more elaborate than that" the boundaries can become blurred.
2.42pm: Faber's witness statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.2.42pm: Faber's witness statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.
2.39pm: Briefly back to Hogan-Howe's written witness statement:2.39pm: Briefly back to Hogan-Howe's written witness statement:
Here are some extracts:Here are some extracts:
On secretsOn secrets
I will not tolerate secret conversations between police officers, of whatever rank, and representatives of the media.I will not tolerate secret conversations between police officers, of whatever rank, and representatives of the media.
On alcoholOn alcohol
The gifts and hospitality SOP does not prevent a meal or drink being accepted from the media. In my view, however, in the ordinary course of events, drinks received should be soft, not alcohol.The gifts and hospitality SOP does not prevent a meal or drink being accepted from the media. In my view, however, in the ordinary course of events, drinks received should be soft, not alcohol.
On leaks to the pressOn leaks to the press
I understand that between 1 April 2006 and 31 August 2011, there were 38 investigations involving 41 allegations relating to inappropriate relationships with the media that resulted in the alleged leakage of police information. Investigation into these 41 allegations led to the successful identification of the officer or staff member who was the source of the leak in 13 instances (32%). The remaining allegations are shown as unidentified officer or staff member.I understand that between 1 April 2006 and 31 August 2011, there were 38 investigations involving 41 allegations relating to inappropriate relationships with the media that resulted in the alleged leakage of police information. Investigation into these 41 allegations led to the successful identification of the officer or staff member who was the source of the leak in 13 instances (32%). The remaining allegations are shown as unidentified officer or staff member.
The outcome of the investigation into the 41 allegations reveals that 25 (61%) resulted in no further action being taken, 11 (27%) are still ongoing investigations and management action accounts for the remaining five (12%).The outcome of the investigation into the 41 allegations reveals that 25 (61%) resulted in no further action being taken, 11 (27%) are still ongoing investigations and management action accounts for the remaining five (12%).
I am informed that 16 police officers and police staff have been prosecuted for misusing police information over the past decade, all were found guilty. Twenty-nine police officers and police staff have been dismissed or asked to resign and 208 disciplined for misusing police information over the past decade.I am informed that 16 police officers and police staff have been prosecuted for misusing police information over the past decade, all were found guilty. Twenty-nine police officers and police staff have been dismissed or asked to resign and 208 disciplined for misusing police information over the past decade.
2.36pm: Adrian Faber, editor of the Wolverhampton Express & Star, takes the stand.2.36pm: Adrian Faber, editor of the Wolverhampton Express & Star, takes the stand.
2.34pm: Gordon has now finished giving evidence.2.34pm: Gordon has now finished giving evidence.
2.33pm: "It's become harder and harder to get information from police officers that is timely and clear," says Gordon.2.33pm: "It's become harder and harder to get information from police officers that is timely and clear," says Gordon.
In an environment where information is getting out on Twitter quicker than it is through official police channels, "it is really important that the information flow is fast."In an environment where information is getting out on Twitter quicker than it is through official police channels, "it is really important that the information flow is fast."
2.32pm: Gordon says he fears proposals to force officers to record all meetings with contact with the media would discourage police from talking to a journalist.2.32pm: Gordon says he fears proposals to force officers to record all meetings with contact with the media would discourage police from talking to a journalist.
2.21pm: The South Wales Echo is a Trinity Mirror newspaper, and every expenses claim has to be signed off by a senior editor.2.21pm: The South Wales Echo is a Trinity Mirror newspaper, and every expenses claim has to be signed off by a senior editor.
2.20pm: Tim Gordon's witness statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.2.20pm: Tim Gordon's witness statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.
He says the "boundaries" between the Met and the press need to be "reset" and recognises there is a need to "improve" relationships with the media in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.He says the "boundaries" between the Met and the press need to be "reset" and recognises there is a need to "improve" relationships with the media in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.
There is intense media coverage throughout London and the UK of the actions of the MPS. What is done and said by my officers is scrutinised by the media. It is right that it should be. There is therefore a need to ensure that all key messages that I communicate are as accurate as possible.There is intense media coverage throughout London and the UK of the actions of the MPS. What is done and said by my officers is scrutinised by the media. It is right that it should be. There is therefore a need to ensure that all key messages that I communicate are as accurate as possible.
I recognise that there is a need to review and improve our relationship with the media. It seems to me clear from recent events relating to phone hacking, which resulted in the prime minister establishing this Inquiry, that the boundaries between the MPS and the media need to be reconsidered and reset. However, I would not wish to return to a police service which is perceived as secretive and unaccountable by the public and considered unprofessional by the media.I recognise that there is a need to review and improve our relationship with the media. It seems to me clear from recent events relating to phone hacking, which resulted in the prime minister establishing this Inquiry, that the boundaries between the MPS and the media need to be reconsidered and reset. However, I would not wish to return to a police service which is perceived as secretive and unaccountable by the public and considered unprofessional by the media.
2.19pm: Bernard Hogan-Howe's statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.2.19pm: Bernard Hogan-Howe's statement has now been published on the Leveson inquiry website.
2.18pm: The South Wales Echo has the lowest expenses budget of any paper before the inquiry so far, it appears.2.18pm: The South Wales Echo has the lowest expenses budget of any paper before the inquiry so far, it appears.
The average reporter "spends 71p a week on taking someone out", Gordon reveals.The average reporter "spends 71p a week on taking someone out", Gordon reveals.
"I have no issue with a journalist taking someone out for a drink or lunch, it's just we don't do it very often," he adds."I have no issue with a journalist taking someone out for a drink or lunch, it's just we don't do it very often," he adds.
2.14pm: His reporter was told Gwent police were "tightening up" rules regarding press relations due to the Leveson inquiry, a claim that Lord Justice Leveson finds surprising.2.14pm: His reporter was told Gwent police were "tightening up" rules regarding press relations due to the Leveson inquiry, a claim that Lord Justice Leveson finds surprising.
2.11pm: Gordon says he has issues with getting information from official channels over weekends in particular, when the press office is not open.2.11pm: Gordon says he has issues with getting information from official channels over weekends in particular, when the press office is not open.
The duty inspector quite often says "nothing is happening" even when the paper has had a member of the public phone in with information and then on the Monday or Tuesday, a press release will be issued to the contrary.The duty inspector quite often says "nothing is happening" even when the paper has had a member of the public phone in with information and then on the Monday or Tuesday, a press release will be issued to the contrary.
2.08pm: The inquiry has resumed and the editor of the South Wales Echo, Tim Gordon, is now giving evidence.2.08pm: The inquiry has resumed and the editor of the South Wales Echo, Tim Gordon, is now giving evidence.
He is never been a specialist crime reporter, but his crime correspondent Abby Alford's statement has been read into the court.He is never been a specialist crime reporter, but his crime correspondent Abby Alford's statement has been read into the court.
1.03pm: The inquiry has broken for lunch and will resume at 2pm.1.03pm: The inquiry has broken for lunch and will resume at 2pm.
1.02pm: Trinity Mirror's QC, Desmond Browne, stands to deny allegations made yesterday that the Sunday Mirror had a surveillance team take a suspect in the "Suffolk Strangler" murder hunt to a hotel in Ipswich for an interview in 2006.1.02pm: Trinity Mirror's QC, Desmond Browne, stands to deny allegations made yesterday that the Sunday Mirror had a surveillance team take a suspect in the "Suffolk Strangler" murder hunt to a hotel in Ipswich for an interview in 2006.
This interview was conducted over two hours in a car park, says Browne.This interview was conducted over two hours in a car park, says Browne.
1.01pm: Pettifor currently has the mobile phone numbers of 12 officers, mainly above inspector level but one is for a detective constable.1.01pm: Pettifor currently has the mobile phone numbers of 12 officers, mainly above inspector level but one is for a detective constable.
"If the official information parameter broadens so much that we have all this information out there, then it will very much reduce the need for these unofficial channels of communication," says Pettifor."If the official information parameter broadens so much that we have all this information out there, then it will very much reduce the need for these unofficial channels of communication," says Pettifor.
He has now finished giving his evidence.He has now finished giving his evidence.
12.51pm: Pettifor says he has never received a tip-off about a celebrity by a police officer.12.51pm: Pettifor says he has never received a tip-off about a celebrity by a police officer.
12.47pm: Pettifor says non-attributable conversations with police are an important part of a journalist's drive to get to the heart of a story.12.47pm: Pettifor says non-attributable conversations with police are an important part of a journalist's drive to get to the heart of a story.
12.46pm: Pettifor says official briefings and monthly meetings with the commissioner remain, but informal contact with officers "is more difficult now".12.46pm: Pettifor says official briefings and monthly meetings with the commissioner remain, but informal contact with officers "is more difficult now".
He adds that he speaks to Scotland Yard "twice a day on average" and to senior investigating officers "twice to five times a week".He adds that he speaks to Scotland Yard "twice a day on average" and to senior investigating officers "twice to five times a week".
Scotland Yard's press office is not proactive and will phone "very rarely" with a story, he says.Scotland Yard's press office is not proactive and will phone "very rarely" with a story, he says.
12.39pm: Tom Pettifor from the Daily Mirror is now taking the stand. He has been crime reporter on the paper since May of last year.12.39pm: Tom Pettifor from the Daily Mirror is now taking the stand. He has been crime reporter on the paper since May of last year.
12.35pm: Penrose says journalists "are being treated almost like criminals" by police who are now afraid to talk to the press.12.35pm: Penrose says journalists "are being treated almost like criminals" by police who are now afraid to talk to the press.
Leveson takes exception to this and says he is taking Hogan-Howe's attitude on fraternising with journalists "entirely out of context".Leveson takes exception to this and says he is taking Hogan-Howe's attitude on fraternising with journalists "entirely out of context".
12.31pm: Penrose says he nearly "laughed out loud" when he heard allegations made at the inquiry yesterday that the Sunday Mirror had a surveillance operation in Ipswich during the hunt for the "Suffolk Strangler" in 2006.12.31pm: Penrose says he nearly "laughed out loud" when he heard allegations made at the inquiry yesterday that the Sunday Mirror had a surveillance operation in Ipswich during the hunt for the "Suffolk Strangler" in 2006.
"Without being flippant I almost laughed out loud when I heard that comment," he says."Without being flippant I almost laughed out loud when I heard that comment," he says.
Barr shows the inquiry a copy of an article from 2006 containing an interview with supermarket worker Tom Stephens by Sunday Mirror reporter, Michael Duffy.Barr shows the inquiry a copy of an article from 2006 containing an interview with supermarket worker Tom Stephens by Sunday Mirror reporter, Michael Duffy.
Dave Harrison, the police investigator, who had suspects under surveillance, suggested to Leveson yesterday he had been bundled into a car and taken to a hotel for this interview.Dave Harrison, the police investigator, who had suspects under surveillance, suggested to Leveson yesterday he had been bundled into a car and taken to a hotel for this interview.
Penrose says that the interview happened in a car park and the Sunday Mirror tracked him down the usual way through electoral searches, not by a professional surveillance team.Penrose says that the interview happened in a car park and the Sunday Mirror tracked him down the usual way through electoral searches, not by a professional surveillance team.
12.25pm: Penrose says sharing a drink with a police office is about building trust not about "shady" leaking.12.25pm: Penrose says sharing a drink with a police office is about building trust not about "shady" leaking.
He considers about a "dozen or so" of his contacts have become friends.He considers about a "dozen or so" of his contacts have become friends.
12.23pm: Penrose says a story about Doreen Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks was held back by the Sunday Mirror after a Met request. He adds that journalists will do this if they are told publishing a story would have an impact on operations.12.23pm: Penrose says a story about Doreen Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks was held back by the Sunday Mirror after a Met request. He adds that journalists will do this if they are told publishing a story would have an impact on operations.
12.19pm: The Met is "honest and open" if approached about a story that does not show it in good light, but whether it is "proactive about it is another matter", says Penrose.12.19pm: The Met is "honest and open" if approached about a story that does not show it in good light, but whether it is "proactive about it is another matter", says Penrose.
12.18pm: Yates gave Penrose his mobile phone number.12.18pm: Yates gave Penrose his mobile phone number.
Barr asks if that was unusual, to which Penrose replies: "Wouldn't have thought so."Barr asks if that was unusual, to which Penrose replies: "Wouldn't have thought so."
12.15pm: Barr begins a lunch-by-lunch analysis of Penrose's relationship with senior police officers.12.15pm: Barr begins a lunch-by-lunch analysis of Penrose's relationship with senior police officers.
Two lunches are recoded with John Yates and Andy Hayman, the former assistant commissioners.Two lunches are recoded with John Yates and Andy Hayman, the former assistant commissioners.
Penrose says those lunches were at a time of "heightened fear of terror" and were "largely to give context and overview" of the situation.Penrose says those lunches were at a time of "heightened fear of terror" and were "largely to give context and overview" of the situation.
He cannot remember the specific content of either lunch but says there was nothing extraordinary revealed.He cannot remember the specific content of either lunch but says there was nothing extraordinary revealed.
Dick Fedorcio, the Met's director of public affairs, met him for lunch once at Shepherds. Again, Penrose says he doesn't believe he received any signficant information and the lunch was more about relationship building.Dick Fedorcio, the Met's director of public affairs, met him for lunch once at Shepherds. Again, Penrose says he doesn't believe he received any signficant information and the lunch was more about relationship building.
12.09pm: Penrose says the relationship between the police and the press can lead to criminals being apprehended.12.09pm: Penrose says the relationship between the police and the press can lead to criminals being apprehended.
He says an article last November led to 21/7 terrorist Siraj Ali being put back behind bars after the Sunday Mirror handed video footage of him smoking drugs while in a bail hostel, in breach of his licence conditions.He says an article last November led to 21/7 terrorist Siraj Ali being put back behind bars after the Sunday Mirror handed video footage of him smoking drugs while in a bail hostel, in breach of his licence conditions.
11.59am: Penrose says there is a "state of paralysis" in police-press relations; officers are less forthcoming and "more unwilling to talk to the press".11.59am: Penrose says there is a "state of paralysis" in police-press relations; officers are less forthcoming and "more unwilling to talk to the press".
11.58am: Justin Penrose of the Sunday Mirror takes the stand.11.58am: Justin Penrose of the Sunday Mirror takes the stand.
David Barr, counsel to the inquiry, is doing the questioning.David Barr, counsel to the inquiry, is doing the questioning.
11.58am: Hogan-Howe has now finished his evidence.11.58am: Hogan-Howe has now finished his evidence.
11.57am: Hogan-Howe finishes by reiterating the importance of a good relationship with journalists11.57am: Hogan-Howe finishes by reiterating the importance of a good relationship with journalists
"I do want a good open challenging relationship with the press," he adds."I do want a good open challenging relationship with the press," he adds.
11.53am: The 53,000 staff at the Met police have just been given permission to access the internet at work, reveals Hogan-Howe.11.53am: The 53,000 staff at the Met police have just been given permission to access the internet at work, reveals Hogan-Howe.
Up to now the policy was that only police officers who had a business justifiable reason to access the net could go on the web.Up to now the policy was that only police officers who had a business justifiable reason to access the net could go on the web.
Given that the police are employed to maintain law and order, Hogan Howe overturned the ban on the grounds there was little chance it could be abused.Given that the police are employed to maintain law and order, Hogan Howe overturned the ban on the grounds there was little chance it could be abused.
He adds that all boroughs are now being encouraged to use social media, and the Met needs to get involved in Twitter.He adds that all boroughs are now being encouraged to use social media, and the Met needs to get involved in Twitter.
11.37am: Hogan-Howe is asked about leaks from the Police National Computer and Operation Motorman, which exposed the trade of private confidential data including criminal records.11.37am: Hogan-Howe is asked about leaks from the Police National Computer and Operation Motorman, which exposed the trade of private confidential data including criminal records.
He says it is "unfortunate" that no one was prosecuted, but the police have investigated internal leaks.He says it is "unfortunate" that no one was prosecuted, but the police have investigated internal leaks.
I think that's unfortunate, the police service can show it's taken these allegations seriously. It has been explained that 200 people [were involved potentially] there has been an internal inquiry...I think that's unfortunate, the police service can show it's taken these allegations seriously. It has been explained that 200 people [were involved potentially] there has been an internal inquiry...
It is hard to imagine that so many people in the police are leaking this information; they must be leaking it to someone; not sure what proportion of their leaks are related to domestic issues, or links to payment for some inappropriate intention.It is hard to imagine that so many people in the police are leaking this information; they must be leaking it to someone; not sure what proportion of their leaks are related to domestic issues, or links to payment for some inappropriate intention.
11.31am: Celebrities have as much right to privacy as members of the community, says Hogan-Howe.11.31am: Celebrities have as much right to privacy as members of the community, says Hogan-Howe.
I feel strongly that the police are expected to keep secrets …I feel strongly that the police are expected to keep secrets …
Whether people be famous, or a member of public, they expect us to maintain that privacy.Whether people be famous, or a member of public, they expect us to maintain that privacy.
I don't care whether you are famous or a member of community, you have the same expectations of privacy … we the police certainly should not be promoting to the press a victim of crime for the only reason they are famous.I don't care whether you are famous or a member of community, you have the same expectations of privacy … we the police certainly should not be promoting to the press a victim of crime for the only reason they are famous.
11.30am: Hogan-Howe says it would be "barmy" to investigate every leak from the Met, but the serious ones should always be investigated.11.30am: Hogan-Howe says it would be "barmy" to investigate every leak from the Met, but the serious ones should always be investigated.
Jay suggests that no amount of recording of contacts with the press would stop the type of serious leaks that Hogan-Howe is referring to.Jay suggests that no amount of recording of contacts with the press would stop the type of serious leaks that Hogan-Howe is referring to.
11.21am: The inquiry is shown two appendices from Hogan Howe's statement re gifts and hospitality.11.21am: The inquiry is shown two appendices from Hogan Howe's statement re gifts and hospitality.
Gifts and hospitality which can be accepted
1. Cups of tea
2. Working lunches and dinners which form part of meetings, training and events where attendance is in the interest of the MPS		Gifts and hospitality which can be accepted
1. Cups of tea
2. Working lunches and dinners which form part of meetings, training and events where attendance is in the interest of the MPS
Gifts and hospitality which should never be accepted
1. Financial payment resulting in an article being published
2. Repeated acceptance of gifts and hospitality from the same organisation even when value of the gift on each occasion is less than £25
3. Gifts from outside contractors		Gifts and hospitality which should never be accepted
1. Financial payment resulting in an article being published
2. Repeated acceptance of gifts and hospitality from the same organisation even when value of the gift on each occasion is less than £25
3. Gifts from outside contractors
11.13am: On to the "F word": football. Jay asks if match invites are permissible under the Met's hospitality rules.11.13am: On to the "F word": football. Jay asks if match invites are permissible under the Met's hospitality rules.
Hogan-Howe says the Met tries to encourage people to be as open as possible, but says police should not accept gifts or other services that would influence them or compromise judgment.Hogan-Howe says the Met tries to encourage people to be as open as possible, but says police should not accept gifts or other services that would influence them or compromise judgment.
If they are invited to an event when they are off duty and that offer is linked to someone, for example, who is bidding for a contract, that would be off limits.If they are invited to an event when they are off duty and that offer is linked to someone, for example, who is bidding for a contract, that would be off limits.
Earlier this year the inquiry, the ex-head of counter-terrorism, John Yates, denied being influenced by NoW executive editor Neil Wallis, with whom he had meals and watched football.Earlier this year the inquiry, the ex-head of counter-terrorism, John Yates, denied being influenced by NoW executive editor Neil Wallis, with whom he had meals and watched football.
11.01am: Now, back to the "A word": alcohol. Hogan-Howe makes it clear, for the second time, he does not believe sustained contact over drink is advisable.11.01am: Now, back to the "A word": alcohol. Hogan-Howe makes it clear, for the second time, he does not believe sustained contact over drink is advisable.
If there is a professional need to meet, it's not clear it needs to be over a meal and if there is alcohol involved, someone's judgment may be clouded …If there is a professional need to meet, it's not clear it needs to be over a meal and if there is alcohol involved, someone's judgment may be clouded …
When alcohol comes in, there are less inhibitions. There is a reason why alcohol is an important factor … it's probably best avoided.When alcohol comes in, there are less inhibitions. There is a reason why alcohol is an important factor … it's probably best avoided.
However, he doesn't want to bar "an occasional meeting with a fellow professional". He says, for instance, it would not be "sensible" if an officer found themselves sitting next to an editor at a function, to then walk off and sit somewhere else.However, he doesn't want to bar "an occasional meeting with a fellow professional". He says, for instance, it would not be "sensible" if an officer found themselves sitting next to an editor at a function, to then walk off and sit somewhere else.
10.57am: Hogan-Howe says when he was parachuted in to take charge of the Met last July, he arrived with three values: "humility; integrity and transparency".10.57am: Hogan-Howe says when he was parachuted in to take charge of the Met last July, he arrived with three values: "humility; integrity and transparency".
10.53am: Hogan-Howe says he broadly accepts Elizabeth Filkin's report but he doesn't see why some journalists have found her findings, particularly those about "flirting" or drinking with reporters, patronising or condescending.10.53am: Hogan-Howe says he broadly accepts Elizabeth Filkin's report but he doesn't see why some journalists have found her findings, particularly those about "flirting" or drinking with reporters, patronising or condescending.
"I didn't take it that way and encouraged people to think in a different way about something that had become a problem," he adds."I didn't take it that way and encouraged people to think in a different way about something that had become a problem," he adds.
10.47am: Hogan-Howe says proposals to force officers to record meetings with journalists are part of an effort to increase transparency, not to close down communications with the press.10.47am: Hogan-Howe says proposals to force officers to record meetings with journalists are part of an effort to increase transparency, not to close down communications with the press.
He adds that it would not stop whistleblowing; not involve any bureaucratic form filling or transcripts of conversations, but would aid police examine any potential for bias if there were more meetings with one newspaper group than another.He adds that it would not stop whistleblowing; not involve any bureaucratic form filling or transcripts of conversations, but would aid police examine any potential for bias if there were more meetings with one newspaper group than another.
"I'm not too disappointed that tittle tattle has stopped," he says."I'm not too disappointed that tittle tattle has stopped," he says.
10.41am: The name of a suspect in the Jones case was written on a wall near the spot where he was killed but the police still did not name him.10.41am: The name of a suspect in the Jones case was written on a wall near the spot where he was killed but the police still did not name him.
"Suspicions don't always materialise into charges and charges don't always materialise into convictions," says Hogan-Howe."Suspicions don't always materialise into charges and charges don't always materialise into convictions," says Hogan-Howe.
10.39am: Hogan-Howe says there should be no naming of suspects by the police or press. Often the names are wrong and it can limit a court case later.10.39am: Hogan-Howe says there should be no naming of suspects by the police or press. Often the names are wrong and it can limit a court case later.
The only caveat would be if someone "is dangerous or on the run" and would case risk to life if not apprehended.The only caveat would be if someone "is dangerous or on the run" and would case risk to life if not apprehended.
10.35am: Hogan-Howe says the public should be informed about what their police service is doing on their behalf.10.35am: Hogan-Howe says the public should be informed about what their police service is doing on their behalf.
The interest of the press may be "challenging", but he cites two major murder investigations during his time as head of Merseyside when it was critical to bring the offenders in.The interest of the press may be "challenging", but he cites two major murder investigations during his time as head of Merseyside when it was critical to bring the offenders in.
First, the killing of Rhys Jones, the-11 year-old boy shot death in Croxteth, where "the public interest caused more witnesses to come forward. Secondly, the coverage and "furore and anger" that followed the racist murder of Anthony Walker "enabled a lot of people to help us".First, the killing of Rhys Jones, the-11 year-old boy shot death in Croxteth, where "the public interest caused more witnesses to come forward. Secondly, the coverage and "furore and anger" that followed the racist murder of Anthony Walker "enabled a lot of people to help us".
10.31am: Hogan-Howe says a perception of a bias towards News International puts the Met in a difficult position, particularly the suggestion that a relationship may have "influenced in some way" the decision not to continue the phone-hacking investigation.10.31am: Hogan-Howe says a perception of a bias towards News International puts the Met in a difficult position, particularly the suggestion that a relationship may have "influenced in some way" the decision not to continue the phone-hacking investigation.
The perception might be "rebuttable" but it "leaves a police officer in a difficult position" if they have to explain that relationship "before they explain why they did or didn't do something". People can "accept human error", Hogan Howe adds.The perception might be "rebuttable" but it "leaves a police officer in a difficult position" if they have to explain that relationship "before they explain why they did or didn't do something". People can "accept human error", Hogan Howe adds.
10.29am: Sustained contact with journalists over drinks can damage a police officer's integrity, but Hogan-Howe is not opposed to the odd drink.10.29am: Sustained contact with journalists over drinks can damage a police officer's integrity, but Hogan-Howe is not opposed to the odd drink.
A drink, so what? for me it's the pattern … one drink, one coffee, one meal, I'm not sure if that's going to damage integrity but I think sustained contact can.A drink, so what? for me it's the pattern … one drink, one coffee, one meal, I'm not sure if that's going to damage integrity but I think sustained contact can.
10.28am: Hogan-Howe says that over the past few years, press interest has often focused too much on individuals within the Met rather than public interest issues.10.28am: Hogan-Howe says that over the past few years, press interest has often focused too much on individuals within the Met rather than public interest issues.
"Adult conversations" with reporters who want to challenge police policy or operations are to be welcomed, he adds. "There is a great benefit in being challenged by journalists.""Adult conversations" with reporters who want to challenge police policy or operations are to be welcomed, he adds. "There is a great benefit in being challenged by journalists."
10.17am: Journalists have described the relationship with the Met as more "austere", says Hogan-Howe, but he stresses it is still holding press conferences and encouraging local officers to talk to the press.10.17am: Journalists have described the relationship with the Met as more "austere", says Hogan-Howe, but he stresses it is still holding press conferences and encouraging local officers to talk to the press.
"I would genuinely like to understand why they say that ... I have not yet understood which aspect of our relationship is causing the damage," he adds."I would genuinely like to understand why they say that ... I have not yet understood which aspect of our relationship is causing the damage," he adds.
10.11am: Hogan-Howe says he has continued meetings with the Crime Reporters' Association, but there have been concerns over how the relationship will work.10.11am: Hogan-Howe says he has continued meetings with the Crime Reporters' Association, but there have been concerns over how the relationship will work.
He says the the lunches with senior police officers after monthly CRA briefings no longer take place. Last year, the CRA held its Christmas drinks as usual in a pub, and the Met decided to attend only for a short time.He says the the lunches with senior police officers after monthly CRA briefings no longer take place. Last year, the CRA held its Christmas drinks as usual in a pub, and the Met decided to attend only for a short time.
We try to maintain some normality to the relationship … but it's been a difficult line to draw, given we do to maintain professional relationship but neither do we want to be too close.We try to maintain some normality to the relationship … but it's been a difficult line to draw, given we do to maintain professional relationship but neither do we want to be too close.
10.09am: In his witness statement, Hogan-Howe describes the relationship as "distorted".10.09am: In his witness statement, Hogan-Howe describes the relationship as "distorted".
10.07am: Hogan-Howe says he picked up concerns about an overly "close social relationship" between officers and the press. He says the frequency and extent of meetings was a surprise.10.07am: Hogan-Howe says he picked up concerns about an overly "close social relationship" between officers and the press. He says the frequency and extent of meetings was a surprise.
10.05am: Hogan-Howe says when he rejoined the Met in 2011 the force's relations with the press were "unstable" due to the departures of Sir Paul Stephenson and John Yates, and the phone-hacking investigation.10.05am: Hogan-Howe says when he rejoined the Met in 2011 the force's relations with the press were "unstable" due to the departures of Sir Paul Stephenson and John Yates, and the phone-hacking investigation.
10.03am: The inquiry has begun and Met commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe takes the stand.10.03am: The inquiry has begun and Met commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe takes the stand.
He is being questioned by Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry.He is being questioned by Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry.
9.57am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.57am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Today will be dominated by the testimonies of the heads of the two largest police forces in the country – the Met police in London and the West Midlands police in Birmingham. Between them, they are in charge of more than 70,000 staff.Today will be dominated by the testimonies of the heads of the two largest police forces in the country – the Met police in London and the West Midlands police in Birmingham. Between them, they are in charge of more than 70,000 staff.
Bernard Hogan-Howe, a former Merseyside police chief, was parachuted into the Met in London last July after the resignation of Sir John Stephenson in the wake of the phone hacking scandal while Chris Sims, chief constable of West Midlands police, has been in charge in Birmingham since 2009.Bernard Hogan-Howe, a former Merseyside police chief, was parachuted into the Met in London last July after the resignation of Sir John Stephenson in the wake of the phone hacking scandal while Chris Sims, chief constable of West Midlands police, has been in charge in Birmingham since 2009.
Hogan-Howe was Merseyside chief between 2004 and 2009 where he was associated with reducing the number of gang crimes and anti-social behaviour.Hogan-Howe was Merseyside chief between 2004 and 2009 where he was associated with reducing the number of gang crimes and anti-social behaviour.
Expect questions about his experience in Merseyside. Leveson was born and educated in Liverpool and the force was cited last week by the Guardian's crime correspondent as one of the most helpful in the country.Expect questions about his experience in Merseyside. Leveson was born and educated in Liverpool and the force was cited last week by the Guardian's crime correspondent as one of the most helpful in the country.
The West Midlands police is the country's second largest metropolitan force in the country with 12,000 staff.The West Midlands police is the country's second largest metropolitan force in the country with 12,000 staff.
Sims will be the last to give evidence and will be preceded by his head of press, who is also a chief inspector.Sims will be the last to give evidence and will be preceded by his head of press, who is also a chief inspector.
Four journalists will also testify: Adrian Faber from the Birmingham Express and Star; Tim Gordon from the South Wales Echo; Justin Penrose from the Sunday Mirror; and Tom Pettifor from the Daily Mirror.Four journalists will also testify: Adrian Faber from the Birmingham Express and Star; Tim Gordon from the South Wales Echo; Justin Penrose from the Sunday Mirror; and Tom Pettifor from the Daily Mirror.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.