AN article in The Northern Echo on January 24 highlighted the apparently curious reluctance of the Metropolitan Police to progress its investigation into alleged phone hacking by employees of News Corp.
Charitably, some sources have suggested that the police may feel that they had their fingers burnt by the cash-for-honours episode, but this explanation would have more credibility if the police inactivity was exceptional.
The deafening silence from our political leaders on this matter is much more alarming and suggests a more disturbing explanation that raises serious questions about who really runs this country.
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, both before and during their time in power, developed close ties with News International.
The current political elite continue this unhealthy trend.
The influence of Rupert Murdoch, a tax exile and foreign citizen, on the political affairs of the UK has expanded inexorably in the last decade.
It is time for our elected representatives to say enough is enough.
VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.
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