The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Murdoch speaks

News Corp head backs Rebekah Brooks in first public statement.

By George Eaton Published 06 July 2011 18:15

Rupert Murdoch has just issued his first public statement since the revelation that Milly Dowler's phone was hacked by the News of the World. He describes the "allegations" as "deplorable and unacceptable", and, significantly, lends Rebekah Brooks his full backing.

Here's the statement in full:

Recent allegations of phone hacking and making payments to police with respect to the News of the World are deplorable and unacceptable. I have made clear that our company must fully and proactively co-operate with the police in all investigations and that is exactly what News International has been doing and will continue to do under Rebekah Brooks' leadership. We are committed to addressing these issues fully and have taken a number of important steps to prevent them from happening again.

I have also appointed Joel Klein to provide important oversight and guidance and Joel and Viet Dinh, an independent director, are keeping News Corporation's board fully advised as well.

Murdoch's intervention will further relieve the pressure on Brooks, already diminished by the claim from News International that she was on holiday when Dowler's phone was hacked.

But the fact remains that Andy Coulson was forced to resign (twice) because hacking occurred under his watch. Why should a different standard apply to Brooks? Whatever the answer, it is Coulson, who has told friends that he fears he will be arrested, who is in the firing line again.

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Tags: News Corporation Rebekah Brooks Rupert Murdoch

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19 comments

Wed, 2011-07-13 15:40 — cato Fong (not verified)

Murdoch & son is a disgrace to the human race
this world can well do without such low-life
hope a bus hits the scum

Tue, 2011-11-29 14:55 — SanfordValentino

Do you think these people have any conscience or moral compass? I have always disliked ascribing the word evil to people but wonder if this man is. Anyone remember Scoot Pecks book "The people of the Lie"? http://www.trainingreiki.com/

Wed, 2011-07-06 18:41 — vinny 8 (not verified)

dog eat dog

Fri, 2011-07-08 16:51 — tommy t (not verified)

What has Brooks got on the Murdochs??

Got to be something or the Oz would have fired her down the line.

Wed, 2011-07-06 19:13 — Sam Saunders (not verified)

Never mind criticising "allegations" as deplorable Mr Murdoch. It's the actual behaviour or News Corporation that is at issue. (I see Brooks made exactly the same error in her letter to staff. Perhaps the same serf wrote them both?

Wed, 2011-07-06 19:17 — Rob (not verified)

Tweet prepared for NI advertisers here:
http://www.pint.org.uk/notw.html

Wed, 2011-07-06 19:19 — Rob (not verified)

Incredibly, the Sun's Police Bravery Awards is to be held tomorrow. But a spokesman refused to say if any News International executives would attend. I wonder if there is a category for Going Beyond The Call Of Duty In Covering Up For Hackers.

Wed, 2011-07-06 19:26 — sally (not verified)

"Murdoch backs Brooks"

Shorter Murdoch....Fuck you UK.

"I have made clear that our company must fully and proactively co-operate with the police in all investigations "

Yes, but since Thatcher you own the police. So your word is a pile of shit.

Wed, 2011-07-06 21:00 — Graeme Hancocks (not verified)

The Beast has spoken!

Wed, 2011-07-06 21:13 — David (not verified)

Recent footage from Murdoch HQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtk3yLVUOKg

Wed, 2011-07-06 21:22 — libertay (not verified)

arrest them all then arrest the cops who colluded with them

vile, soulless people

Wed, 2011-07-06 21:24 — Anton Jury (not verified)

Murdoch knew what was going on otherwise it would not have gone on.

I bet Brooks is going to make a fortune out of this somewhere down the line, you will see because Murdoch will have to protect himself one way or another.

It is called keeping your distance at any cost. I must be joking, am I , yes off course I am, am I not, yes it was all a misunderstanding, how silly of me, must stop joking.Only Joking.

Thu, 2011-07-07 00:15 — JVilla (not verified)

Murdoch is on the ropes! Can foxnews in the USA be next? We can only hope!

Kudos to Hugh Grant!

Thu, 2011-07-07 00:22 — James Hall (not verified)

It looks like the sacrificial lamb has been found....Cameron will be shitting bricks....http://redrag1.blogspot.com/2011/07/red-rag-coulsonyour-time-is-running-out.html

Thu, 2011-07-07 01:33 — pg (not verified)

I really hope he fucks off and dies

Thu, 2011-07-07 07:58 — mcquade

Thanks Rob.

Thu, 2011-07-07 09:38 — Mike S (not verified)

Be careful what you wish for pg.....all that would happen then is we would be left with James Murdoch. Not to be wished on anyone...

Thu, 2011-07-07 09:42 — pg (not verified)

Mike S, you're right. We really are doomed!

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