New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
  2. Media
13 June 2012

Leveson inquiry: 10 key questions for David Cameron

On Andy Coulson, the BSkyB bid and the Murdochs.

By George Eaton

Ahead of David Cameron’s appearance at the Leveson inquiry tomorrow, here are 10 questions the PM needs to answer.

1. What questions did you ask Andy Coulson about phone-hacking before hiring him?

2. Why, according to Mr Coulson, did you not seek further assurances after the Guardian revealed that phone-hacking went far beyond “one rogue reporter”?

3. Why wasn’t Mr Coulson given full security vetting unlike all of his recent predecessors?

4. You told the House of Commons on 20 July 2011 that Mr Coulson “was not able to see the most secret documents”. But Mr Coulson told the inquiry that he attended meetings of the National Security Council (NSC), where participants can view content classified as top secret. Did you mislead Parliament?

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

5. Did anyone ask Mr Coulson whether he retained any shares in News Corporation? If not, why not?

6. Why did you hand Jeremy Hunt quasi-judicial responsibility for the BSkyB bid after he had written a memo to you supporting it?

7. Did you ever discuss phone-hacking with Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch, Rebekah Brooks or any other News International executives? If not, why not?

8. James Murdoch told the inquiry that he discussed the BSkyB bid with you on 23 December 2010 at Mrs Brooks’s home. What was said?

9. Did Rupert Murdoch ever pressure you to change government policy?

10. How often did you speak to Mrs Brooks during her time as Sun editor and chief executive of News International?

Content from our partners
An energy skills boost can power UK growth
Homes for all: how can Labour shape the future of UK housing?
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth