Thaindian News

London, July 13 (IANS) British Prime Minister David Cameron Wednesday told parliament a “firestorm” was engulfing parts of the media and police, and those who had committed the phone hacking offences must be prosecuted, BBC reported.

Cameron said Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation should stop thinking about mergers and “sort out the mess” they made over the phone hacking.

Britain’s main political parties are all set to unite to urge Murdoch to drop his bid to buy BSkyB.

Labour leader Ed Miliband told parliament that it was an “insult” to the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler - whose phone was allegedly hacked - that Rebekah Brooks was still News International’s chief executive.

Cameron responded: “She was right to resign, that resignation should have been accepted. There needs to be root and branch change at this entire organisation. What has happened at this company is disgraceful - it’s got to be addressed at every level.”

The prime minister said all aspects of police relationships with the media must be beyond reproach.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission was looking at allegations of payments to officers, he informed parliament.

He said News International must focus on “getting its house in order”. Those found to have done wrong must have no role in running a media company in future, he said.

Reviews of wrongdoing and press regulation must take place - under the umbrella of a single inquiry. It will be given the power to call witnesses including media proprietors.

Cameron said police were looking at the alleged incidents of hacking and other offences affecting 3,870 people, and have made eight arrests.

When Cameron was asked about his hiring of former News of the World editor Andy Coulson as his communications chief, he said that if evidence Coulson has given to police proves to be incorrect, and that if it is found he committed illegal behaviour, he “should be prosecuted”.

The News of the World tabloid is accused of hacking into phones of crime victims, celebrities and politicians. Police identified 4,000 possible targets, leading to owner Rupert Murdoch ordering its closure.

In January 2007, royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were both jailed for plotting to intercept voice mail messages.

Mulcaire had hacked into teenage murder victim Milly Dowler’s mobile phone and then deleted messages.