By Kevin McCauley
Rupert and James Murdoch have re-thought their decision to snub next week’s parliamentary probe into the British phone hacking scandal and now say they will appear before the panel when it convenes Tuesday.
In letters sent earlier today to John Whittingdale, chair of the culture, media and sport select committee, the Murdochs declined the invite. In response, the committee decided to issues summons to the duo.
James Murdoch then sent a follow-up letter to Whittingdale, to confirm his and father’s attendance at the session.
“I hope that is it is clear that we are committed to ensuring that the issues that have affected News of the World are fully investigated and dealt with appropriately and robustly,” wrote Murdoch.
He is concerned “in light of the fact that there are to be multiple reviews of the issues, this does carry the risk of prejudicing other judicial proceedings and in particular the ongoing police investigation and any potential subsequent prosecutions.”
Murdoch asked Whittingdale to “take the utmost care” in ensuring the the hearing does not prejudice other probes.
The Murdochs will testify with Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News International. She accepted the initial invite. Brooks is former News of the World editor.
As American citizens, the Murdochs cannot be compelled to testify before the parliamentary panel.
Whittingdale told reporters yesterday that either the Murdochs attend or “we report their failure to attend to the House. Then we are in uncharted territory.” |