The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Rebekah and Charlie Brooks arrested

Former News International chief executive arrested by police investigating phone hacking.

By George Eaton Published 13 March 2012 10:39

Sky News is reporting that Rebekah Brooks and her racehorse trainer husband Charlie were among the six people arrested this morning by officers from Operation Weeting on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The pair were arrested at their home in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire and are being interviewed at separate police stations.

To avoid any confusion, it's worth pointing out that Rebekah Brooks was previously arrested in July on suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications and on suspicion of corruption. These are new allegations.

As for Charlie's arrest, it will undoubtedly come as a blow to David Cameron - the pair have been friends since their Eton days. At the infamous Brussels press conference, where he admitted that he did ride the police horse loaned to Rebekah, Cameron commented: "I've been friends with Charlie Brooks for over 30 years and he's a good friend and a neighbour of my constituency."

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Tags: Rebekah Brooks

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14 comments

Tue, 2012-03-13 11:51 — Freeman2

Shouldn't laugh. No, really shouldn't laugh. But I can't help it.

Tue, 2012-03-13 11:55 — karmar

"I've been friends with Charlie Brooks for over 30 years and he's a good friend and a neighbour of my constituency." That's a good reason to be suspicious, right there.

Tue, 2012-03-13 11:56 — Mizar (not verified)

Quite a few of Cameron's friends have been arrested.

Tue, 2012-03-13 12:01 — frances smith (not verified)

whose going to look after the horses while they are so busy?

Tue, 2012-03-13 12:13 — nourredine (not verified)

@frances smith,
The Met of course.

Tue, 2012-03-13 12:23 — Janeypops (not verified)

Go on, Freeman, laugh. I'll join you. It just gets better and better, doesn' it?

Tue, 2012-03-13 12:45 — Valley Boy (not verified)

Oh what a tangled web you weave.....Yes there is a putrid smell and I think some of its coming from Downing Street. Freeman, yes I'm still laughing.

Wed, 2012-03-14 19:55 — matthew fox (not verified)

I suppose Cameron could always ride to Rebekah defence.

He has this ability to be able to get hold of a trusty steed.

Tue, 2012-03-13 13:22 — Benjamin Rae (not verified)

What's that saying? Oh I know, you swim in the sewer you'll catch something. Also, why is David Cameron usually out of the country when awkward things come up?

Tue, 2012-03-13 13:53 — nourredine (not verified)

An old proverb:
Tell me who your friends, i tell you who you are.

Tue, 2012-03-13 13:55 — madasbalooons (not verified)

Chuckle chuckle, tee hee.

Tue, 2012-03-13 13:59 — Leedsnil

I hate Tuesdays but this has cheered me up no end, thank you Inspector Knacker. And in Cheltenham week too! Who will clean out the Augean stables?

Wed, 2012-03-14 09:42 — Karlwasright

All great fun, but where is Ed Miliband in this ? He should be savaging Cameron for his association with this lot, but we never hear a word. Perhaps he still suffers from a psyche hugely deferential to the upper class ?

Tue, 2012-03-13 17:03 — Peter Nicklin (not verified)

Rebekah Brooks once said that one day Alan Rusbridger (Guardian editor) would be on his knees before her begging for mercy. Well, not any day soon, that's for sure.