The whole Country has been shocked by the revelations that journalists have been hacking the telephones not just of celebrities and politicians but of murdered children, the victims of the 7/7 bombings and families of servicemen killed in action.

This scandal is not just about the journalists on one newspaper or even the press in general it is also about the police and about how politics works.

There is no doubt we need to get to the bottom of the specific allegations which have been made that is why I am pleased the Prime Minister has said that there will be a full public enquiry with a judge in charge so that there is no question about the impartiality of the inquiry. Everything that has happened must be investigated and no stone left un-turned. The witnesses will be questioned by a judge on oath.

We also need to consider wider issues about the future of the press. A second independent inquiry will therefore look at the culture the practices and the ethics of the British press. In particular it will look at how our newspapers are regulated and make recommendations for the future.

When the inquiries are completed it is essential that we finish up with a police force that is beyond reproach, a political system people feel is on their side and a press which is free and holds those in power to account but is also clean and trustworthy.