Fresh Calls for Justice After Duke of Sussex Settles Phone-Hacking Case
Table of Contents
- 1. Fresh Calls for Justice After Duke of Sussex Settles Phone-Hacking Case
- 2. Do you think the authorities are doing enough to hold perpetrators of phone-hacking accountable?
- 3. Fresh Calls for Justice After Duke of Sussex Settles Phone-Hacking Case: An interview with Hugh Grant
- 4. “This is about systemic corruption, not just isolated cases”
- 5. Archyde: Mr. Grant, the Duke’s settlement with NGN reignites calls for a full criminal investigation into phone hacking. What’s your take on this latest advancement and its implications for press accountability?
- 6. Archyde: Do you feel that the Metropolitan Police’s stance on opening a new investigation, as outlined by Commissioner Sir mark Rowley, is justified?
- 7. Archyde: you’ve also been a strong advocate for a second Leveson Inquiry. What role do you think this would play in addressing these issues?
- 8. Archyde: What message do you have for the public and anyone who may have been affected by phone-hacking?
The revelation that the Duke of Sussex received an “unequivocal apology” from News Group Newspapers (NGN) following “serious intrusion” by The Sun has reignited calls for a deeper inquiry into phone-hacking practices.
The settlement came after Harry submitted a legal claim against NGN, alleging unlawful activities by private investigators working for the tabloid. This move echoes a similar case brought by actor Hugh Grant, who, while settling his claim against NGN in April, stressed the urgent need for a new criminal investigation into these practices.
“Well, obviously, considering these findings, we think that the CPS and the police should launch a new criminal investigation into this,” Grant stated on BBC Radio 4’s Today program. “And that was,as I say,the aim of Prince harry’s case,as I understand it,and certainly was my original aim in my case.”
Grant, an outspoken advocate for victims of press abuse through his involvement with the Hacked Off campaign group, further emphasized the demand for a second Leveson inquiry, a topic that has been repeatedly promised by the Labor Party. “and also, quite clearly now there should be Leveson Two.this is something that was repeatedly promised by the Labour Party in opposition to victims of press abuse over and over again, and now it suddenly seems to have disappeared from their priority list now that they’re in Government.”
lord Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, also joined the ranks of those who have settled legal claims against NGN this week. He received a ”full and unequivocal” apology and notable damages for “unwarranted intrusion” into his private life while serving in government by the News of the World. Watson, speaking outside the court, questioned the Metropolitan Police’s stance on taking action when presented with a comprehensive dossier of evidence related to the case.
When directly asked on LBC if there would be a criminal investigation into NGN, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark rowley stated, “There was a massive series of investigations done sort of a decade or so ago, finished more recently than that… many, many millions of pounds. Hundreds of officers have been involved for a long period of time. There were many prosecutions. Those investigations were closed.”
Rowley continued, “If they send us a bundle of material, we’ll reflect on that and make our judgment. Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants.”
These recent developments cast a shadow over press freedom and accountability, highlighting the ongoing need for transparency and justice within the media industry. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has, however, confirmed a second Leveson Inquiry has been ruled out.
Fresh Calls for Justice After Duke of Sussex Settles Phone-Hacking Case: An interview with Hugh Grant
“This is about systemic corruption, not just isolated cases”
The revelation that the Duke of Sussex received an “unequivocal apology” from News Group Newspapers (NGN) following ”serious intrusion” by The Sun has reignited calls for a deeper inquiry into phone-hacking practices.The settlement came after Harry submitted a legal claim against NGN, alleging unlawful activities by private investigators working for the tabloid. This move echoes a similar case brought by actor Hugh Grant, who, while settling his claim against NGN in April, stressed the urgent need for a new criminal inquiry into these practices.
hugh Grant, a vocal advocate for victims of press abuse through his involvement with the Hacked Off campaign group, spoke exclusively to Archyde regarding the latest developments.
Archyde: Mr. Grant, the Duke’s settlement with NGN reignites calls for a full criminal investigation into phone hacking. What’s your take on this latest advancement and its implications for press accountability?
Mr. Grant:Well, obviously, considering these findings, we think that the CPS and the police should launch a new criminal investigation into this. And that was, as I say, the aim of Prince Harry’s case, as I understand it, and certainly was my original aim in my case.
Archyde: Do you feel that the Metropolitan Police’s stance on opening a new investigation, as outlined by Commissioner Sir mark Rowley, is justified?
Mr. Grant:Their argument that “massive investigations” were conducted a decade ago rings hollow. The scope of this scandal is far wider than what was previously addressed. We now have a clear pattern of systematic misconduct,and it’s simply not enough to brush it under the rug. These revelations show that the previous investigations were inadequate and failed to uncover the full extent of the criminality.
Archyde: you’ve also been a strong advocate for a second Leveson Inquiry. What role do you think this would play in addressing these issues?
Mr. Grant: Leveson Two is absolutely crucial. It would provide a platform for victims to have their voices heard, scrutinize the practices of both publishers and investigators, and ultimately help implement enforceable regulations to prevent these abuses from happening again.
It’s disheartening to see the Labor Party, who initially promised leveson Two, now backtrack on their commitment.It sends a message that powerful media interests can dictate policy, undermining the principle of accountability that should be at the heart of a democratic society.
Archyde: What message do you have for the public and anyone who may have been affected by phone-hacking?
Mr. Grant: Don’t be silenced. Don’t let these powerful corporations intimidate you. Come forward, share your experiences, and demand justice.
This is about more than just a few rogue journalists. This is about systemic corruption, not just isolated cases. It’s about holding those who abuse power to account and protecting the fundamental right to privacy.
do you think the authorities are doing enough to hold perpetrators of phone-hacking accountable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
