Labour calls for "immediate" News of the World probe

The Labour Party has appealed to the government for the "immediate" launch of an inquiry into the News of the World phone hacking scandal.

The Sunday tabloid has been accused of hacking into the voicemail of a mobile belonging to murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, as well as people who lost loved ones in the 7/7 bombings.

The controversy resulted in the News of the World closing after 168 years, with its final edition being released tomorrow.

Amidst the public outrage, Labour shadow culture secretary Ivan Lewis has written a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron calling for "immediate discussions so that by the end of the day we are in a position to agree the appointment of the judge", according to the BBC.

Lewis added: "In view of the fact that the News of the World is shutting down, it is a matter of great urgency that any documentary evidence, including files and emails, is preserved to enable a proper inquiry into these serious allegations to take place."

The Labour Party is further alleged to have been spurred into action by unsubstantiated claims that News International are working to hinder any forthcoming official inquiries.

"Labour say their letter has been prompted by reports that millions of emails had been deleted at News International in an attempt to obstruct Scotland Yard's investigations into phone hacking," BBC political correspondent Ben Geoghegan stated. "That claim has been denied by the company."

Rupert Murdoch, owner of News International's parent company News Corporation, is expected to arrive in the UK today to address the dispute.

Former News Of The World editor Andy Coulson, who served as David Cameron's communications chief until January, was arrested yesterday for his part in the phone hacking scandal, before later being released on bail.

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