David Cameron confirms Lord Justice Leveson to lead phone hacking inquiry

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that the inquiry into the phone hacking scandal will be led by Lord Justice Leveson.

Cameron outlined the remit of the public inquiry to the House of Commons this afternoon. Lord Justice Leveson, who prosecuted serial killer Rose West in 1995, will have the power to call witnesses to answer questions under oath.

Leading figures from within News International, politicians and senior members of the Met Police could be among those called.

Cameron told MPs that the independent public inquiry needs to be "as robust as possible", while commanding "the full confidence of the public" as it seeks to uncover the truth.

He explained that he wants investigations "into wrongdoing in the press and the police, including the failure of the first police investigation", and a second review of the regulation of the press to begin "as quickly as possible, while being mindful of the ongoing criminal investigations".

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Cameron said: "Starting as soon as possible, Judge Leveson, assisted by a panel of senior independent figures with relevant expertise in media, broadcasting, regulation and government, will inquire into: the culture, practices and ethics of the press, their relationship with the police, the failure of the current system of regulation.

"The contacts made, and discussions had, between national newspapers and politicians, why previous warnings about press misconduct were not heeded and the issue of cross-media ownership."

The Prime Minister added: "He will make recommendations for a new, more effective way of regulating the press. One that supports their freedom, plurality and independence from government but which also demands the highest ethical and professional standards.

"He will also make recommendations about the future conduct of relations between politicians and the press. This part of the Inquiry will report within 12 months."

Meanwhile, Cameron also told the Commons that the Commissioner's office had informed him that eight arrests have been made in the current criminal investigation into phone hacking.

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