Alok Sharma's Westminster Diary, July 28, 2011
Alok Sharma MP • Published 28 Jul 2011 09:00
0 Comments
PARLIAMENT went into recess last week, but not before a "recall" on the first day for a statement by the Prime Minister on the telephone hacking saga followed by a debate on the subject, in which I spoke. A judicial inquiry is now being launched, to look amongst other things at the extent to which there was a failure to act on previous warnings about media misconduct.
The Home Affairs Select Committee report into phone hacking which was published last week noted that in 2006 the Information Commissioner, who is responsible for overseeing the UK's data protection laws, gave details of investigations conducted by his office and the police into "a widespread and organised undercover market in confidential personal information".
In one major case, known as Operation Motorman, the police and Information Commissioner's Office found evidence that around 300 journalists, working for a range of newspapers, had used a variety of techniques to obtain personal information for their stories. The Select Committee report stated that "some of the information could have been obtained only illegally".
It is clear that it is not only the Murdoch press that has questions to answer and this story will run for some time.
Back in the constituency, I organised a meeting last week with Reading Borough Council and Thames Water to discuss their response to the on-going rat infestation problems in parts of Southcote. Having met some constituents who have been affected by this problem and seen the damage caused to property by the rats, I know this has been a terrible ordeal for some families.
The sooner we sort out this problem the better, and the reason I called the meeting was to make sure that there is a joined-up approach to eliminating this infestation. So I was pleased that, during the meeting, we were also able to discuss ways in which Reading Borough Council and Thames Water could co-ordinate their work further.
As part of the on-going work, baiting in the area has been increased and I am holding another meeting this week with the council Thames Water to hear the results of their latest investigations. Everyone involved needs to keep up the pressure to solve this issue.
It is also important that we establish the full extent of the infestation and deal with it in a comprehensive manner. So if you think you have a rat problem, but have not reported it, get in touch.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.
