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Leveson inquiry: Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman, Sir John Major - live Leveson inquiry: Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman, Sir John Major - live
(40 minutes later)
12.42pm: Here is a lunchtime summary of Sir John Major's evidence:
• Major said Rupert Murdoch asked him to change government policy on Europe in 1997.
• Murdoch told Major in 1997 "I would like you to change your policy and if you don't change your policy my organisation cannot support you", the inquiry heard.
• In a letter seen by the inquiry, Major accused Gordon Brown's special advisers of lying about him "for party political advantage".
• Major denied Kelvin MacKenzie threatened to pour a "bucket of shit" on him in a now-famous "Black Wednesday" phone call.
• Major said he was "much too sensitive" about press coverage of him during his seven-year premiership.
• The appointment of spin doctors by prime ministers, ushered in by Tony Blair, was a "very retrograde step", Major said.
• Major urged cross-party support for recommendations of the Leveson inquiry, and said proprietors should ultimately be held responsible for their newspapers.
12.38pm: Major has finished his evidence.
The inquiry is now taking a break and will resume at 2pm with evidence from Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman.
12.37pm: Major ends by reiterating his point that the inquiry should put this saga to bed with a respectable press.
"I think we need to curb the worst to protect the best. That is what I hope will be the outcome of this inquiry in due course," Major says.
12.35pm: Major says editors, as well as proprietors, should take responsibility for the content in their newspapers. "They should accept responsibility for the climate which they themselves set," he adds.
12.33pm: Major says there must be a "statutory enforcement mechanism" of press regulation, with a code that is voluntarily agreed code by an independent body free of interference from editors or proprietors.
12.27pm: If Murdoch and others had said at some stage "you will not hack phones" we would have had no need for the Leveson inquiry and discussion about sanctions or statutory regulatory bodies, Major says.12.27pm: If Murdoch and others had said at some stage "you will not hack phones" we would have had no need for the Leveson inquiry and discussion about sanctions or statutory regulatory bodies, Major says.
Reporters act within a "culture", Major says, adding that he finds it very difficult to accept that proprietors do not know was going on beneath them.Reporters act within a "culture", Major says, adding that he finds it very difficult to accept that proprietors do not know was going on beneath them.
This inquiry has come about because proprietors did not know what was going on in their newsrooms, Major says. "And they can do so and they should do so."This inquiry has come about because proprietors did not know what was going on in their newsrooms, Major says. "And they can do so and they should do so."
12.26pm: The new watchdog should be able to impose fines and remove the VAT exemption from erring newspapers, Major says.12.26pm: The new watchdog should be able to impose fines and remove the VAT exemption from erring newspapers, Major says.
He adds that making proprietors and editors personally liable for what is published in their papers.He adds that making proprietors and editors personally liable for what is published in their papers.
"Proprietors, and in a lesser extent their editors, have failed to hand [reasonable guidelines on behaviour] down to their reporters," he says."Proprietors, and in a lesser extent their editors, have failed to hand [reasonable guidelines on behaviour] down to their reporters," he says.
12.25pm: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:12.25pm: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Major accuses brown advisers of *lying* abt him as regards his alleged but untrue refusal to release Black Weds papers + rescind Mugabe ktMajor accuses brown advisers of *lying* abt him as regards his alleged but untrue refusal to release Black Weds papers + rescind Mugabe kt
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012
12.24pm: Major is asked about the future of press regulation.12.24pm: Major is asked about the future of press regulation.
He says he does not believe the PCC has ever been a "credible regulator", nor would it be if it were reconstituted.He says he does not believe the PCC has ever been a "credible regulator", nor would it be if it were reconstituted.
12.18pm: Major says there is a need to strike a difficult balancing act between freedom of the press and the "liberty of the individual".12.18pm: Major says there is a need to strike a difficult balancing act between freedom of the press and the "liberty of the individual".
12.13pm: Major admits in his witness statement that this was a "missed opportunity". The press may not have fallen into disrepute if he had enacted some of these changes, he adds.12.13pm: Major admits in his witness statement that this was a "missed opportunity". The press may not have fallen into disrepute if he had enacted some of these changes, he adds.
"It was a missed opportunity, but it wasn't one in the event that could have been taken," Major says, repeating that tighter curbs on the press did not have parliamentary support."It was a missed opportunity, but it wasn't one in the event that could have been taken," Major says, repeating that tighter curbs on the press did not have parliamentary support.
12.12pm: In a report, Major was told that statutory regulation of the press would "give rise to a major storm and, in my view, would fail in parliament".12.12pm: In a report, Major was told that statutory regulation of the press would "give rise to a major storm and, in my view, would fail in parliament".
12.08pm: Major is asked about his decision not to push through changes to press regulation after a report suggesting that should happen. He acknowledges there would have been a row with the press, but suggests that did not weigh heavily on his decision-making.12.08pm: Major is asked about his decision not to push through changes to press regulation after a report suggesting that should happen. He acknowledges there would have been a row with the press, but suggests that did not weigh heavily on his decision-making.
12.04pm: Major says that John Wakeham, the former PCC chairman, was well-suited at the time to press reform. He believes now that more could have been done.12.04pm: Major says that John Wakeham, the former PCC chairman, was well-suited at the time to press reform. He believes now that more could have been done.
11.58am: Major says that there as a "unversality" of opinion in the press that a privacy tort would stifle investigative journalism. A number of MPs on the Calcutt subcommittee shared the same view, he adds.11.58am: Major says that there as a "unversality" of opinion in the press that a privacy tort would stifle investigative journalism. A number of MPs on the Calcutt subcommittee shared the same view, he adds.
The main reason the government was unable to enact Calcutt was because it could not get the bill through parliament, Major says. "We at the time had no workable majority."The main reason the government was unable to enact Calcutt was because it could not get the bill through parliament, Major says. "We at the time had no workable majority."
11.52am: Lisa O'Carroll, our media correspondent at the inquiry, has sent us this transcript of Major's remarks on Rupert Murdoch and the Sun:11.52am: Lisa O'Carroll, our media correspondent at the inquiry, has sent us this transcript of Major's remarks on Rupert Murdoch and the Sun:
I do think parts of his press, parts of his media empire have lowered the general quality of the British media. I think that is a loss.I do think parts of his press, parts of his media empire have lowered the general quality of the British media. I think that is a loss.
I think it is evident which newspaper I am referring to. I think they have lowered the tone. I think the interaction that there has been with politicians has done no good either to the press or to the politicians.I think it is evident which newspaper I am referring to. I think they have lowered the tone. I think the interaction that there has been with politicians has done no good either to the press or to the politicians.
I think the sheer scale of the influence he is believed to [have] whether he exercises it or not, is an unattractive facet in British national life, and it does seem to me an oddity that in a nation which prides itself on one man, one vote, we should have one man, who can't vote, with a large collection of newspapers and a large share of the electronic media outlets.I think the sheer scale of the influence he is believed to [have] whether he exercises it or not, is an unattractive facet in British national life, and it does seem to me an oddity that in a nation which prides itself on one man, one vote, we should have one man, who can't vote, with a large collection of newspapers and a large share of the electronic media outlets.
I don't think you could or should in a sort of diverse world in which we live, actually do anything about that, but it does strike me as slightly odd that that actually is the position.I don't think you could or should in a sort of diverse world in which we live, actually do anything about that, but it does strike me as slightly odd that that actually is the position.
11.49am: Newspapers should be free to comment on whatever they wish, when they wish, Major says. But "irresponsibility and unfairness" should not creep into the reporting, he adds.11.49am: Newspapers should be free to comment on whatever they wish, when they wish, Major says. But "irresponsibility and unfairness" should not creep into the reporting, he adds.
11.46am: Jay turns to the first Calcutt report of June 1990, before Major became prime minister. The PCC was set up in January 1991, to replace the Press Council.11.46am: Jay turns to the first Calcutt report of June 1990, before Major became prime minister. The PCC was set up in January 1991, to replace the Press Council.
Major says this was one of myriad issues that cross a prime minister's desk, and that it would likely have been "subcontracted" to the relevant government department.Major says this was one of myriad issues that cross a prime minister's desk, and that it would likely have been "subcontracted" to the relevant government department.
"Freedom of the press must not mean a licence for the press to do whatever it wishes without let or hinderance," Major says, hinting at the tone of his recommendations for the future, to be outlined later."Freedom of the press must not mean a licence for the press to do whatever it wishes without let or hinderance," Major says, hinting at the tone of his recommendations for the future, to be outlined later.
11.41am: Major says there is a huge responsibility on the leaders of the three main political parties to support the recommendations of the Leveson inquiry.11.41am: Major says there is a huge responsibility on the leaders of the three main political parties to support the recommendations of the Leveson inquiry.
"It is difficult to see how this matter could be returned to in any reasonably period of time," he adds. "Those parts of the press that have behaved badly will continue to behave badly.""It is difficult to see how this matter could be returned to in any reasonably period of time," he adds. "Those parts of the press that have behaved badly will continue to behave badly."
He warns that political leaders are now "drinking in the last chance saloon," repurposing the famous claim made of the media two decades ago. Political leaders need to unite on reform, he adds.He warns that political leaders are now "drinking in the last chance saloon," repurposing the famous claim made of the media two decades ago. Political leaders need to unite on reform, he adds.
He reiterates his belief that the underlying purpose is to bring up the standard of the bad press to the good.He reiterates his belief that the underlying purpose is to bring up the standard of the bad press to the good.
11.36am: Major is asked about his view of Rupert Murdoch. "I was not an especial admirer or Rupert Murdoch's activities as a proprietor," Major says. He admired Murdoch as a businessman, citing Sky as a "very notable contribution to our national life".11.36am: Major is asked about his view of Rupert Murdoch. "I was not an especial admirer or Rupert Murdoch's activities as a proprietor," Major says. He admired Murdoch as a businessman, citing Sky as a "very notable contribution to our national life".
"I do think parts of his media empire have lowered the general quality for the British media," he adds."I think that is a loss. I think it is evidence about which newspaper I am referring to. I think they have lowered the tone." "I do think parts of his media empire have lowered the general quality for the British media," he adds."I think that is a loss. I think it is evident which newspaper I am referring to. I think they have lowered the tone."
Major says it is "slightly odd" that one man who cannot vote in this country apparently wields such influence on British politics.Major says it is "slightly odd" that one man who cannot vote in this country apparently wields such influence on British politics.
11.33am: In a "more mundane example", Major says one newspaper distorted a photograph of him on holiday appearing to discard litter. He was actually throwing a drink can to his wife, out of shot.11.33am: In a "more mundane example", Major says one newspaper distorted a photograph of him on holiday appearing to discard litter. He was actually throwing a drink can to his wife, out of shot.
Major recalls another example. On holiday with his wife in Portugal, the Sun "talked or bribed" its way into the holiday home, took photographs and published a story before the pair had even arrived, he says.Major recalls another example. On holiday with his wife in Portugal, the Sun "talked or bribed" its way into the holiday home, took photographs and published a story before the pair had even arrived, he says.
Major's wife telephoned the then Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, who, Major says, told her "you have no right to any privacy" and after further exchanges hung up on her.Major's wife telephoned the then Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, who, Major says, told her "you have no right to any privacy" and after further exchanges hung up on her.
11.31am: Jay asks about personal intrusion against Major.11.31am: Jay asks about personal intrusion against Major.
Major says his office once received a phone call purporting to be from an hospital's accident and emergency department saying they were to operate on his son's girlfriend after an accident, but first needed to know whether she was pregnant. His son's girlfriend had not been in an accident and was not pregnant, he adds.Major says his office once received a phone call purporting to be from an hospital's accident and emergency department saying they were to operate on his son's girlfriend after an accident, but first needed to know whether she was pregnant. His son's girlfriend had not been in an accident and was not pregnant, he adds.
In another example, Major says his 20-year-old son was followed by a photographer for the News of the World, who had been "instructed to follow him day and night".In another example, Major says his 20-year-old son was followed by a photographer for the News of the World, who had been "instructed to follow him day and night".
11.27am: Major stresses the importance of media plurality. He believes parliament should set a percentage on the limit of printed press and electronic press that one person or media group can own, and a limit to the total media ownership of one company.11.27am: Major stresses the importance of media plurality. He believes parliament should set a percentage on the limit of printed press and electronic press that one person or media group can own, and a limit to the total media ownership of one company.
He says the cross-media limit should be the 15%-20% (of all outlets) bracket, adding that there should be "a clear limit".He says the cross-media limit should be the 15%-20% (of all outlets) bracket, adding that there should be "a clear limit".
"I think it's really for parliament to look at and make a judgment in the light of modern circumstances," Major says."I think it's really for parliament to look at and make a judgment in the light of modern circumstances," Major says.
11.25am: Major says he forgot to mention the act in his witness statement as he wrote most of it travelling in Japan, Singapore and Zambia – surely a first for this inquiry.11.25am: Major says he forgot to mention the act in his witness statement as he wrote most of it travelling in Japan, Singapore and Zambia – surely a first for this inquiry.
11.23am: The inquiry resumes and Major is asked about the Broadcasting Act 1996.11.23am: The inquiry resumes and Major is asked about the Broadcasting Act 1996.
A good deal was written about the act in newspaper columns, says Major, but he is not aware of any direct lobbying on the topic.A good deal was written about the act in newspaper columns, says Major, but he is not aware of any direct lobbying on the topic.
11.23am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:11.23am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Major nostalgia all very well but he is now whinging about his press. British papers are politicised + adversarial - so is the Commons.Major nostalgia all very well but he is now whinging about his press. British papers are politicised + adversarial - so is the Commons.
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012
11.18am: Here is a brief summary of Sir John Major's evidence to the Leveson inquiry so far:11.18am: Here is a brief summary of Sir John Major's evidence to the Leveson inquiry so far:
• Major said Rupert Murdoch asked him to change government policy on Europe in 1997.• Major said Rupert Murdoch asked him to change government policy on Europe in 1997.
• Murdoch told Major in 1997 "I would like you to change your policy and if you don't change your policy my organisation cannot support you", inquiry heard.• Murdoch told Major in 1997 "I would like you to change your policy and if you don't change your policy my organisation cannot support you", inquiry heard.
• Major denied Kelvin MacKenzie threatened to pour a "bucket of shit" over him in now famous "Black Wednesday" phone call.• Major denied Kelvin MacKenzie threatened to pour a "bucket of shit" over him in now famous "Black Wednesday" phone call.
• Major said he was "much too sensitive" about press coverage of him during his seven-year premiership.• Major said he was "much too sensitive" about press coverage of him during his seven-year premiership.
• The appointment of spin doctors by prime ministers, ushered in by Tony Blair, was a "very retrograde step", Major said.• The appointment of spin doctors by prime ministers, ushered in by Tony Blair, was a "very retrograde step", Major said.
11.16am: The inquiry is now taking a short break.11.16am: The inquiry is now taking a short break.
11.13am: Jay asks Major about his "back to basics" policy. He relishes the opportunity to read his introduction to the policy at the time, and denies it was a "puritanical crusade" as it was described by sections of the press.11.13am: Jay asks Major about his "back to basics" policy. He relishes the opportunity to read his introduction to the policy at the time, and denies it was a "puritanical crusade" as it was described by sections of the press.
11.08am: John Plunkett, the Guardian's media correspondent at the inquiry, has sent us this fuller account of Major's 1997 meeting with Rupert Murdoch:11.08am: John Plunkett, the Guardian's media correspondent at the inquiry, has sent us this fuller account of Major's 1997 meeting with Rupert Murdoch:
John Major, from his witness statement, on his 1997 meeting with Rupert MurdochJohn Major, from his witness statement, on his 1997 meeting with Rupert Murdoch
In his evidence to this inquiry Mr Rupert Murdoch said 'I have never asked a prime minister for anything'. By this I assume him to mean that he has never asked for anything that would benefit him personally or his company. In my very limited contact with Mr Murdoch his statement is on a strict interpretation literally true. Certainly he never asked for anything directly from me but he was not averse to pressing for policy changes. In the runup to the 1997 general election in my third and last meeting with him on 2 February 1997 he made it clear that he disliked my European policies which he wished me to change. If not, his papers could not and would not support the Conservative government. So far as I recall he made no mention of editorial independence but referred to all his papers as 'we'. Both Mr Murdoch and I kept our word. I made no change in policy and Mr Murdoch's titles did indeed oppose the Conservative party. It came as no surprise to me when soon after our meeting the Sun newspaper announced its support for Labour.In his evidence to this inquiry Mr Rupert Murdoch said 'I have never asked a prime minister for anything'. By this I assume him to mean that he has never asked for anything that would benefit him personally or his company. In my very limited contact with Mr Murdoch his statement is on a strict interpretation literally true. Certainly he never asked for anything directly from me but he was not averse to pressing for policy changes. In the runup to the 1997 general election in my third and last meeting with him on 2 February 1997 he made it clear that he disliked my European policies which he wished me to change. If not, his papers could not and would not support the Conservative government. So far as I recall he made no mention of editorial independence but referred to all his papers as 'we'. Both Mr Murdoch and I kept our word. I made no change in policy and Mr Murdoch's titles did indeed oppose the Conservative party. It came as no surprise to me when soon after our meeting the Sun newspaper announced its support for Labour.
Major told the inquiry:Major told the inquiry:
I haven't talked about this conversation at any stage over the past 15 years but now I am under oath. I was asked the question and I have answered the question ... It's not very often someone sits in front of a prime minister and says to a prime minister 'I would like you to change your policy and if you don't change your policy my organisation cannot support you.' People may often think that ... but it's not often that point is directly put to a prime minister so it's unlikely to have been something that I would have forgotten.I haven't talked about this conversation at any stage over the past 15 years but now I am under oath. I was asked the question and I have answered the question ... It's not very often someone sits in front of a prime minister and says to a prime minister 'I would like you to change your policy and if you don't change your policy my organisation cannot support you.' People may often think that ... but it's not often that point is directly put to a prime minister so it's unlikely to have been something that I would have forgotten.
11.06am: Major is asked about a section in his witness statement on "unfair comment" relating to the peace process in Northern Ireland. He says a framework document on the peace process was leaked by a "very hostile" unionist source to the Times.11.06am: Major is asked about a section in his witness statement on "unfair comment" relating to the peace process in Northern Ireland. He says a framework document on the peace process was leaked by a "very hostile" unionist source to the Times.
He tried to get the Times to halt publication of the document, warning that they would do great harm to the peace process.He tried to get the Times to halt publication of the document, warning that they would do great harm to the peace process.
The Times went ahead and published the article, to "absolute mayhem in the House of Commons".The Times went ahead and published the article, to "absolute mayhem in the House of Commons".
"I think that was irresponsible on an issue like this where people's lives are at stake," Major says."I think that was irresponsible on an issue like this where people's lives are at stake," Major says.
"The government had actually said to them, 'don't do it, this is wrong'. It was a very rare occurence, but it concerned me a lot at the time.""The government had actually said to them, 'don't do it, this is wrong'. It was a very rare occurence, but it concerned me a lot at the time."
11.03am: Jay asks Major about media lobbying. In his witness statement, the former prime minister says he can recall no express lobbying by the media on industry issues.11.03am: Jay asks Major about media lobbying. In his witness statement, the former prime minister says he can recall no express lobbying by the media on industry issues.
"They expressed their views in the columns of their newspapers ... but there was no direct lobbying," he adds."They expressed their views in the columns of their newspapers ... but there was no direct lobbying," he adds.
11.02am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:11.02am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:
Major: the way the Sun treated Neil Kinnock was "pretty way over the top" #leveson . I found him a much more considerable man than portrayedMajor: the way the Sun treated Neil Kinnock was "pretty way over the top" #leveson . I found him a much more considerable man than portrayed
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) June 12, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) June 12, 2012
11.00am: Major is asked about the Sun's campaign against Labour's Neil Kinnock in 1992.11.00am: Major is asked about the Sun's campaign against Labour's Neil Kinnock in 1992.
The day of the election, the paper said on its front page: ''If Kinnock wins tomorrow, will the last person to leave the country please switch off the lights."
The following day, it declared: "It was The Sun wot won it"		The day of the election, the paper said on its front page: ''If Kinnock wins tomorrow, will the last person to leave the country please switch off the lights."
The following day, it declared: "It was The Sun wot won it"
He describes it as "crude" and "over the top" but does not think the Sun made a huge amount of difference.He describes it as "crude" and "over the top" but does not think the Sun made a huge amount of difference.
10.57am: Major says he genuinely believed his Tory party were going to win the 1992 election.10.57am: Major says he genuinely believed his Tory party were going to win the 1992 election.
"I may have been delusional, but I thought all the way through we were going to win that election.""I may have been delusional, but I thought all the way through we were going to win that election."
10.55am: Asked why he thinks the Sun supported New Labour in 1997, Major says: "I think it may have had embarassment of supporting us ... and may have had something to do with Calcutt ... and may have had something to do with broadcasting policy."10.55am: Asked why he thinks the Sun supported New Labour in 1997, Major says: "I think it may have had embarassment of supporting us ... and may have had something to do with Calcutt ... and may have had something to do with broadcasting policy."
10.52am: Jay asks Major whether he was surprised when the Sun came out in support of New Labour in 1997.10.52am: Jay asks Major whether he was surprised when the Sun came out in support of New Labour in 1997.
Major says he was not surprised, given the paper's criticism of his government.Major says he was not surprised, given the paper's criticism of his government.
He adds that the Sun need not have embarked on a "ludicrous charade" of carrying an op-ed by Tony Blair on Europe, then switching its support to New Labour.He adds that the Sun need not have embarked on a "ludicrous charade" of carrying an op-ed by Tony Blair on Europe, then switching its support to New Labour.
He says it could have said the Tories were tired after 18 years, or it could have said Blair hadchanged Labour.He says it could have said the Tories were tired after 18 years, or it could have said Blair hadchanged Labour.
"In many ways Blair was to the right of me," Major says."In many ways Blair was to the right of me," Major says.
"I had gone swimming on the Thames and left my clothes on the riverbank and when I came back Mr Blair was wearing them," he adds."I had gone swimming on the Thames and left my clothes on the riverbank and when I came back Mr Blair was wearing them," he adds.
"Did they change over European policy? I don't think so, despite my conversation with Mr Murdoch," he says."Did they change over European policy? I don't think so, despite my conversation with Mr Murdoch," he says.
10.51am: "It is not very often someone sits in front of a prime minister and says 'I would like you to change your policy and if you do not change your policy our organisation cannot support you,'" Major says. "It is unlikely to be something I would have forgotten."10.51am: "It is not very often someone sits in front of a prime minister and says 'I would like you to change your policy and if you do not change your policy our organisation cannot support you,'" Major says. "It is unlikely to be something I would have forgotten."
"I think I would have preferred less of the editorial support and more of the equable news coverage," he adds."I think I would have preferred less of the editorial support and more of the equable news coverage," he adds.
10.50am: Major says this is the first time he has spoken about that dinner for 15 years because he is now under oath. Only Major, his wife, Rupert Murdoch and Elisabeth Murdoch were present.10.50am: Major says this is the first time he has spoken about that dinner for 15 years because he is now under oath. Only Major, his wife, Rupert Murdoch and Elisabeth Murdoch were present.
He admits to being "laconic" in his autobiography from "time to time".He admits to being "laconic" in his autobiography from "time to time".
10.48am: Major says that in 1997 it was suggested to him that he needed to "get closer" to the Murdoch press.10.48am: Major says that in 1997 it was suggested to him that he needed to "get closer" to the Murdoch press.
Major then met Murdoch for lunch in February 1997. During this dinner, Murdoch referred to his newspapers as "we" and said he did not like the government's policy on Europe, Major says.Major then met Murdoch for lunch in February 1997. During this dinner, Murdoch referred to his newspapers as "we" and said he did not like the government's policy on Europe, Major says.
"He didn't make the usual nod towards editorial independence," Major tells the inquiry."He didn't make the usual nod towards editorial independence," Major tells the inquiry.
He suggests that Murdoch wanted Britain to withdraw from the European Union, but says he made clear that was not going to happen.He suggests that Murdoch wanted Britain to withdraw from the European Union, but says he made clear that was not going to happen.
10.48am: Sir Gus O'Donnell, then Major's press secretary, suggested Major make a "veiled threat" to Murdoch at one of the pair's meetings, the inquiry hears. Neither Jay nor Major say what this "veiled threat" was, but Major says it is not the sort of thing a prime minister should have been saying so he did not.10.48am: Sir Gus O'Donnell, then Major's press secretary, suggested Major make a "veiled threat" to Murdoch at one of the pair's meetings, the inquiry hears. Neither Jay nor Major say what this "veiled threat" was, but Major says it is not the sort of thing a prime minister should have been saying so he did not.
10.45am: Major says he wanted to tell Murdoch that the economy had started recovery. He says he was prepared to take political pain to get inflation down; he adds that it has remained stable since.10.45am: Major says he wanted to tell Murdoch that the economy had started recovery. He says he was prepared to take political pain to get inflation down; he adds that it has remained stable since.
10.41am: Major says he believes the Sun was Murdoch's "house pet", whereas the Times and Sunday Times were given more latitude by the media tycoon.10.41am: Major says he believes the Sun was Murdoch's "house pet", whereas the Times and Sunday Times were given more latitude by the media tycoon.
10.38am: Jay turns to Major's meetings with newspaper proprietors.10.38am: Jay turns to Major's meetings with newspaper proprietors.
He met Conrad Black, then owner of the Telegraph titles, six times in seven years, and met Rupert Murdoch three times in seven years (14 May 1992, 19 August 1993 and 2 February 1997).He met Conrad Black, then owner of the Telegraph titles, six times in seven years, and met Rupert Murdoch three times in seven years (14 May 1992, 19 August 1993 and 2 February 1997).
Major says he does not have much recollection of his meetings with Murdoch. "They were plainly unmemorable to us both," he says.Major says he does not have much recollection of his meetings with Murdoch. "They were plainly unmemorable to us both," he says.
10.37am: Major says he has no solution to this, but urges the inquiry to think about the effect of this on the public.10.37am: Major says he has no solution to this, but urges the inquiry to think about the effect of this on the public.
Newspapers should be concerned to give the British public accurate information so they are best equip to vote in elections.Newspapers should be concerned to give the British public accurate information so they are best equip to vote in elections.
"It's a huge important role the newspapers could play and should play but don't play," Major adds."It's a huge important role the newspapers could play and should play but don't play," Major adds.
10.35am: Major returns to his view of newspapers as "politicised" and offering highly partisan reports of news events. He calls for newspapers to report "accurately, fairly and fully" what politicians have said and the likely impact of that on the British public.10.35am: Major returns to his view of newspapers as "politicised" and offering highly partisan reports of news events. He calls for newspapers to report "accurately, fairly and fully" what politicians have said and the likely impact of that on the British public.
The press are very important in carrying the message to the public, but if the message is perverted by the stance of the newspaper, or because hard news is ommitted … then the public are given much less than they ought to have in making up their mind at a gernal election.The press are very important in carrying the message to the public, but if the message is perverted by the stance of the newspaper, or because hard news is ommitted … then the public are given much less than they ought to have in making up their mind at a gernal election.
10.33am: Major says "logging contacts" between politicians and press has some value, but he would argue for a return to the civil service resuming the information roles in Whitehall.10.33am: Major says "logging contacts" between politicians and press has some value, but he would argue for a return to the civil service resuming the information roles in Whitehall.
10.32am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:10.32am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
Major's noble appeal for civil servant driven press relations is utopian; pols will want + need own personal advisers in mod environmentMajor's noble appeal for civil servant driven press relations is utopian; pols will want + need own personal advisers in mod environment
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) June 12, 2012
10.31am: Major describes as a "very retrograde step" the advent of party-political communications directors, ushed in with Tony Blair's appointment of Alastair Campbell.10.31am: Major describes as a "very retrograde step" the advent of party-political communications directors, ushed in with Tony Blair's appointment of Alastair Campbell.
"Once a political appointee speaks for government, the word of the government is no longer unquestioned," Major says."Once a political appointee speaks for government, the word of the government is no longer unquestioned," Major says.
He believes that an apolitical civil servant should be responsible for presenting the "unvarnished" truth in non-selective press briefings. This, too, has become a common theme in this module of the inquiry.He believes that an apolitical civil servant should be responsible for presenting the "unvarnished" truth in non-selective press briefings. This, too, has become a common theme in this module of the inquiry.
10.27am: Jay turns to personal relationships between journalists and politicians.10.27am: Jay turns to personal relationships between journalists and politicians.
Major begins by saying that some politicians can have "genuine" friendships with journalists. However, he adds that these relations become harmful when stories leak into the press of private discussions and "splits" in political parties.Major begins by saying that some politicians can have "genuine" friendships with journalists. However, he adds that these relations become harmful when stories leak into the press of private discussions and "splits" in political parties.
I think that perversion, that close relationship, whisks those conversations out in public and worse offers those seeking favours from the press to offer stories ... to the detriment of colleagues. We have seen a lot of that.I think that perversion, that close relationship, whisks those conversations out in public and worse offers those seeking favours from the press to offer stories ... to the detriment of colleagues. We have seen a lot of that.
10.23am: News and comment in newspapers "has melded to a great extent," says Major, picking up on a theme that has gathered pace in recent weeks at the inquiry. He suggests that this has been fastened by the advent of 24-hour news channels.10.23am: News and comment in newspapers "has melded to a great extent," says Major, picking up on a theme that has gathered pace in recent weeks at the inquiry. He suggests that this has been fastened by the advent of 24-hour news channels.
"Ideally, you would keep that apart," Major says of news and comment in newspapers. He is not the first politician to back that recommendation."Ideally, you would keep that apart," Major says of news and comment in newspapers. He is not the first politician to back that recommendation.
10.20am: There are some good parts of the press and some parts "that are not very good at all," says Major.10.20am: There are some good parts of the press and some parts "that are not very good at all," says Major.
They don't report the news accurately; they tend to deal in caricatures ... it takes something that has a tiny kernel of truth in it, perhaps, and stretches it far beyond where it can honestly go.They don't report the news accurately; they tend to deal in caricatures ... it takes something that has a tiny kernel of truth in it, perhaps, and stretches it far beyond where it can honestly go.
Major says he is not talking about the British press as a whole. He says any effective regulation will "lift the worst of the British press to the best of the British press".Major says he is not talking about the British press as a whole. He says any effective regulation will "lift the worst of the British press to the best of the British press".
He suggests that the balance in favour of free expression is now so great in Britain that people are not protected "from things that are unfair, untrue or malicious".He suggests that the balance in favour of free expression is now so great in Britain that people are not protected "from things that are unfair, untrue or malicious".
10.18am: Major decided to phone MacKenzie to see what he thought about the day, given that it had attracted various interpretations throughout.10.18am: Major decided to phone MacKenzie to see what he thought about the day, given that it had attracted various interpretations throughout.
"I dare say it wasn't an especially productive call," he adds."I dare say it wasn't an especially productive call," he adds.
10.18am: Major says he does not recollect the same conversation as has entered mythology.10.18am: Major says he does not recollect the same conversation as has entered mythology.
"There are more myths about Black Wednesday than the Greeks ever created," he says."There are more myths about Black Wednesday than the Greeks ever created," he says.
10.15am: Major is asked about his now famous telephone call with the then Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, following the UK's exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism on "Black Wednesday" in 1992.10.15am: Major is asked about his now famous telephone call with the then Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, following the UK's exit from the Exchange Rate Mechanism on "Black Wednesday" in 1992.
MacKenzie told the inquiry:MacKenzie told the inquiry:
I said I've got a bucket of shit on my desk, prime minister, and I'm going to pour it all over you.I said I've got a bucket of shit on my desk, prime minister, and I'm going to pour it all over you.
Asked about his relationship with Major in the early 1990s, MacKenzie told the inquiry: "No, we did not have a particularly good relationship. He was no Thatcher, John Major."Asked about his relationship with Major in the early 1990s, MacKenzie told the inquiry: "No, we did not have a particularly good relationship. He was no Thatcher, John Major."
10.14am: Major says the press to him "was a source of wonder". The press told him what he was about to do (but in reality he wasn't), told him what he was thinking (that he wasn't) and told him what he had done (that he hadn't).10.14am: Major says the press to him "was a source of wonder". The press told him what he was about to do (but in reality he wasn't), told him what he was thinking (that he wasn't) and told him what he had done (that he hadn't).
Leveson quips: "I've had that feeling," to laughter in the courtroom.Leveson quips: "I've had that feeling," to laughter in the courtroom.
10.13am: Major confirms that he was "much too sensitive from time to time about what the press wrote".10.13am: Major confirms that he was "much too sensitive from time to time about what the press wrote".
"God knows why I was, but I was," he adds. "It is a basic human emotion to get a bit ratty about it.""God knows why I was, but I was," he adds. "It is a basic human emotion to get a bit ratty about it."
10.11am: Major says his distance to the press "clearly wasn't very amenable" to some sections of the industry.10.11am: Major says his distance to the press "clearly wasn't very amenable" to some sections of the industry.
This may be a contributory factor to his hostile coverage, he adds.This may be a contributory factor to his hostile coverage, he adds.
"It's perfectly understandable to be hostile to people you don't know rather than people you know well.""It's perfectly understandable to be hostile to people you don't know rather than people you know well."
Major says that after the 1992 election the press were not hostile, but "even".Major says that after the 1992 election the press were not hostile, but "even".
10.09am: In his witness statement, Major says he did not seek a special relationship with any media group.10.09am: In his witness statement, Major says he did not seek a special relationship with any media group.
"It was quixotic for me not to be close to the press," he adds. Major says he chose not to get close to the press both because he would not do it very well and because he saw it as "rather undignified"."It was quixotic for me not to be close to the press," he adds. Major says he chose not to get close to the press both because he would not do it very well and because he saw it as "rather undignified".
"I thought a relative distance between the press and me, and my government, would be a good idea," Major says. He adds that he was not hostile to the press."I thought a relative distance between the press and me, and my government, would be a good idea," Major says. He adds that he was not hostile to the press.
"I thought too close a personal relationship was probably not for me," he says, adding: "I don't think it's the role of the prime minister to court the press, and I think it is undignified if it is done too obviously.""I thought too close a personal relationship was probably not for me," he says, adding: "I don't think it's the role of the prime minister to court the press, and I think it is undignified if it is done too obviously."
10.07am: Thatcher and Murdoch shared similar views on the European Union and other key policies, plus her "iconic" status following the Falklands conflict. She also admired "buccaneering businessmen," Major says.10.07am: Thatcher and Murdoch shared similar views on the European Union and other key policies, plus her "iconic" status following the Falklands conflict. She also admired "buccaneering businessmen," Major says.
10.05am: Major says in his witness statement that he saw "at first hand" Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher.10.05am: Major says in his witness statement that he saw "at first hand" Rupert Murdoch's relationship with Margaret Thatcher.
"I saw it from a reasonably good vantage point," Major explains, adding that Thatchers right-of-centre views and policies "particularly appealed" to newspaper proprietors."I saw it from a reasonably good vantage point," Major explains, adding that Thatchers right-of-centre views and policies "particularly appealed" to newspaper proprietors.
10.04am: A live video stream of today's hearing is available on the Leveson inquiry website here.10.04am: A live video stream of today's hearing is available on the Leveson inquiry website here.
10.03am: Sir John Major is the first witness of the day. He is sworn in and has taken the stand.10.03am: Sir John Major is the first witness of the day. He is sworn in and has taken the stand.
Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is leading the questioning.
10.01am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:10.01am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:
Jay currently doing a Kirsty young at channel 5, perching on desk as he chats with fellow barristers. V relaxed as leveson prepares majorJay currently doing a Kirsty young at channel 5, perching on desk as he chats with fellow barristers. V relaxed as leveson prepares major
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) June 12, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) June 12, 2012
09.56am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.09.56am: Good morning and welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Former prime minister Sir John Major, Labour leader Ed Miliband and shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman will give evidence to the inquiry into press standards today.Former prime minister Sir John Major, Labour leader Ed Miliband and shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman will give evidence to the inquiry into press standards today.
Major faced stinging criticism from the press during his seven years as prime minister, before losing the 1997 general election to Tony Blair's New Labour which had won the support of Rupert Murdoch's newspaper titles.Major faced stinging criticism from the press during his seven years as prime minister, before losing the 1997 general election to Tony Blair's New Labour which had won the support of Rupert Murdoch's newspaper titles.
The inquiry is likely to ask Major whether he felt he was harshly treated during his premiership, amid reports that he took newspaper criticism to heart.The inquiry is likely to ask Major whether he felt he was harshly treated during his premiership, amid reports that he took newspaper criticism to heart.
Miliband will also give evidence. The Labour leader and Harman, his deputy, have been fierce critics of News International since summer last year, when public outrage mounted over phone hacking in the wake of the Milly Dowler revelations.Miliband will also give evidence. The Labour leader and Harman, his deputy, have been fierce critics of News International since summer last year, when public outrage mounted over phone hacking in the wake of the Milly Dowler revelations.
The pair will be asked about their own contact with newspaper groups and proposals for the future of press regulation.The pair will be asked about their own contact with newspaper groups and proposals for the future of press regulation.
The inquiry begins at 10am.The inquiry begins at 10am.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.