The Government is to apply to take a privileged role at the Leveson inquiry in a move that could help to limit criticism of the Prime Minister.
Downing Street lawyers have made an emergency application for “core participant” status just days before Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson give evidence to the judicial investigation into the press, police and politicians.
It would allow the Government to lobby privately for redactions — or blackouts — of embarrassing disclosures contained in witness statements before they are published by the inquiry.
The application, being heard this afternoon at the Royal Courts of Justice, comes amid reports Ms Brooks is willing to hand over daily text messages and emails between herself and David Cameron.
The Prime Minister’s friendship with the former News International chief executive, who has been arrested on suspicion of phone-hacking, bribing public officials and perverting the course of justice, has damaged the Government in recent weeks.
Mr Coulson is due before the Leveson inquiry next Thursday. The ex-News of the World editor was Mr Cameron’s chief spin doctor until he resigned in January last year as the scandal erupted.
He has since been arrested on suspicion of phone-hacking and corrupt payments to public officials. Both Ms Brooks and Mr Coulson deny breaking the law and have not been charged with any crime.
No 10 and the Leveson inquiry refused to comment today.
It would allow the Government to lobby privately for redactions — or blackouts — of embarrassing disclosures contained in witness statements before they are published by the inquiry.
The application, being heard this afternoon at the Royal Courts of Justice, comes amid reports Ms Brooks is willing to hand over daily text messages and emails between herself and David Cameron.
The Prime Minister’s friendship with the former News International chief executive, who has been arrested on suspicion of phone-hacking, bribing public officials and perverting the course of justice, has damaged the Government in recent weeks.
Mr Coulson is due before the Leveson inquiry next Thursday. The ex-News of the World editor was Mr Cameron’s chief spin doctor until he resigned in January last year as the scandal erupted.
He has since been arrested on suspicion of phone-hacking and corrupt payments to public officials. Both Ms Brooks and Mr Coulson deny breaking the law and have not been charged with any crime.
No 10 and the Leveson inquiry refused to comment today.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/uk/downing-street-lawyers-apply-for-leveson-probe-privileges-7715248.html
