Public Confidence in the Media and Police

Jim Sheridan Excerpts

Wednesday 20th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thought that it was ingenious to get that point into order, but my hon. Friend makes a very important point, and that was one of the reasons why I did not want to cancel entirely my visit to Africa. It is important that we get on with doing the things that Britain should be doing in the world, whether that is trading with countries such as Nigeria and South Africa, or leading the aid effort, as we are, in the horn of Africa where today we have been told there is not just a catastrophe and a drought, but also a famine. I am proud of the fact that Britain is not being deflected from the great role that it is playing to try to feed hungry people.

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

At yesterday’s evidence session, Rupert Murdoch was asked about his frequent meetings with the Prime Minister and his Government, to which he replied, “I wish they would leave me alone.” Will the Prime Minister and his Government comply with that request?

[The Prime Minister]

One of the outcomes of all of this is that there will be a lot more of leaving everybody alone.