Theresa May Gives Faltering Evidence Before MPs

Home Secretary Flustered During Grilling By MPs

The Home Secretary has told MPs there will be no formal inquiry into phone-hacking allegations at the News of the World until the police have concluded their own investigation.

Lib Dem MP Julian Huppert suggested that the original investigation by the Metropolitan Police into the hacking of mobiles by journalists had been inadequate - because officers had been intimidated by facing up to a powerful news organisation. Ms. May chose not to pass comment on this.

Theresa May's appearance before the Commons Home Affairs Committee coincided with a series of breaking stories, including further allegations of phone hacking at the News of the World. Just an hour before Ms. May gave evidence to the Committee, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal to suspend a judgement which has thrown police bail laws into chaos.

It was clear the Home Secretary was rattled, giving unclear answers to a question on the admittance to Britain of Sheikh Raed Salah, who should have been banned from entering the country. Twice she had to go back and correct her own statement, at one point saying she was recalling the wrong case.

It's been a cruel summer for Theresa May so far. Her first year has Home Secretary surprised many commentators, as she rose to the challenges of the brief. However last month the Home Office has been accused of prevaricating on the looming legal crisis surrounding police bail, in addition to allowing someone into the country who'd been banned.

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