Cameron 'Regrets' Hiring Coulson

Prime Minister David Cameron has told the Commons that "with hindsight" he would not have hired former News of the World editor Andy Coulson as his media spokesperson.

Mr Cameron had been forced to cut short a visit to Africa in order to make an emergency statement on the phone hacking crisis.

The Prime Minister faced tough questioning from opposition MPs about the scandal, including his contacts with another former News of the World journalist Neil Wallis, who, it has now emerged, provided informal advice to the Conservative party ahead of last year's General Election.

Both Mr Coulson and Mr Wallis have been arrested and questioned by police in their investigation into the phone-hacking scandal.

Mr Cameron was also quizzed about whether he had discussed News Corp's proposed takeover of BSkyB with News International executives including Rebekah Brooks. He denied having any "inappropriate conversations" about the takeover.

In other news, a report by the Home Affairs Committee has accused the Metropolitan Police of a "catalogue of failures" over the phone hacking investigation.

Also, the protestor who threw a 'shaving foam pie' at Rupert Murdoch during his appearance before the Culture, Media and Sports committee yesterday has been charged with a public order offence.

Jonathan May-Bowles, 26, from Windsor, has been released on bail and is due to appear before City of Westminster Magistrates Court on July 29.

(KMcA/BMcC)