Phone Hacking and the Media

George Howarth Excerpts

Monday 11th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, which is why, with the greatest respect, I think the Opposition have got their tone completely wrong this afternoon. We have an opportunity to do something that many Opposition Members in their hearts know should have been done a very long time ago. We are determined to do that, and I would encourage them to work with the Government to ensure that this time, we get it right.

[Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab)]

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State has a quasi-legal responsibility in some of these matters, why is he making this statement?

[Mr Hunt]

Just because I have a quasi-judicial role does not mean that I am not able to announce to Parliament important developments in the exercise of that role, which is what I have done this afternoon with, I see, Mr Speaker’s approval.