News International admitted earlier today liability in the News of the World phone hacking case (reports on the Guardian and Mediaweek.co.uk) and said it is to offer an unreserved apology and damages to some of those bringing cases against it.
Former editor Andy Coulson, who clearly knew what was going on, resigned as David Cameron’s head of communications in January. Did Cameron know as well?
Here’s the statement in full: News International statement with regard to voicemail interception at the News of the World during 2004-2006.
Following an extensive internal investigation and disclosures through civil legal cases, News International has decided to approach some civil litigants with an unreserved apology and an admission of liability in cases meeting specific criteria.
We have also asked our lawyers to establish a compensation scheme with a view to dealing with justifiable claims fairly and efficiently.
This will begin the process of bringing these cases to a fair resolution with damages appropriate to the extent of the intrusion.
We will, however, continue to contest cases that we believe are without merit or where we are not responsible.
That said, past behaviour at the News of the World in relation to voicemail interception is a matter of genuine regret. It is now apparent that our previous inquiries failed to uncover important evidence and we acknowledge our actions then were not sufficiently robust.
We continue to co-operate fully with the Metropolitan Police. It was our discovery and voluntary disclosure of this evidence in January that led to the re-opening of the police investigation.
With that investigation on going, we cannot comment further until its completion.
News International’s commitment to our readers and pride in our award-winning journalism remains undiminished.
We will continue to engage with and challenge those who attempt to restrict our industry’s freedom to undertake responsible investigative reporting in the public interest.
This article was first published
