bridge too far

I think that's a very unfair observation, quite frankly. Both Cameron and Brown went to great lengths to shield their children from media intrusion. However, when a Prime Minister / very senior Cabinet member becomes a father, the press will take photos whenever they can. I don't think either politician has gone for the pity line at all. I think it says more about the gossipy nature of the population that the papers would think we'd want to know this sort of personal information.

Quite - but it does still beg the question how did the informant (a father with a son with the same condition) get to know about GB's son's condition? Of course, it could be something as simple as a health worker telling this father that GB's son had the same problem. I think GB's son was only 4 months old at the time.

I think what makes it particularly sad is that the homes were for retired RBS employees, not for the general public (as I understand it). Once upon a time, employers used to look after their long serving staff, even if it came out of their pockets / profits rather than being a self-sustaining act.

Maybe they're getting restless because there's a rumour doing the rounds that the club is about to bid £2m for a player. I don't have a source, other than the mutterings of Mr TF who's as angry about the small creditors and charities as are we.

I think his comments about the criminal underworld relate to the fact that someone tried to blag info about his bank accounts etc., not his son's medical records TBF

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-14118286 What a shame that a bank that pays out huge bonuses to its executives can't find the wherewithall to keep open homes for its elderly pensioners.

I thought his massive over-reaction to being asked if he ever took money for information a tad dubious TBH

And by doing this he will argue that his domination of the news media will be significantly less, thus clearing the objections to his takeover of BSkyB.

You're right. I told him last night that he should get off his back foot. If people can't see that this whole sorry affair goes far deeper than mere politics, then they lead very blinkered lives.

That's what I'll miss about him - his sense of humour and always a positive spin on everything Nah - I will miss sparring with him.

Are cardigans an accepted mode of dress in Fleet Street then?

This cynic had that Eureka moment this afternoon

and pockets £2m a year in doing so.

You see, you're doing it again. Get off your back foot your Lordship.

Then don't. I would have been just as disappointed had this whole affair arisen during a Labour government's tenure and a Labour PM was too scared to attend. I'm also disappointed that some on here are seeking to deflect attention away from the despicable, sickening actions of Murdoch by attacking the opposition.

I am disappointed that the Prime Minister is not in the House this afternoon, to anwer questions on such an important subject.

1645: A well-placed source has told the BBC that in 2006, when she was editor of the Sun, Rebekah Brooks called the Browns to inform them she knew their son Fraser was suffering from cystic fibrosis. The Browns believe only medical staff treating Fraser had access to that information and friends of the family say Ms Brooks' call caused them immense distress since they were only just coming to terms with the diagnosis.

1547: A BBC investigation has found the Sunday Times, also owned by News International, is alleged to have targeted the personal information of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the time he was Chancellor. Documents and a phone recording suggest so called "blagging" was used to obtain private financial and property details.

1547: A BBC investigation has found the Sunday Times, also owned by News International, is alleged to have targeted the personal information of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the time he was Chancellor. Documents and a phone recording suggest so called "blagging" was used to obtain private financial and property details.

With all due respect, that DOESN'T answer the question How are YOU voicing your opinion to Murdoch if you aren't removing your custom, since he never had it anyway?

But time is of the essence. The decision re BSkyB is imminent. It will take a fair few weeks for a mass boycott of the Murdoch empire to hit him commercially. You don't address the question of how those who aren't his customers can vent their collective spleen, I notice. Unless, of course, you consider him to be a 'fit and proper person'? (One hopes those making that judgement have more cojones than the FA).

http://www.smh.com.au/world/911-victims-targeted-by-tabloid-phone-hackers-20110711-1ha90.html 9/11 victims' families also targeted, allegedly.

This is a far more immediate action. Jeremy Hunt already has over 10,000 submissions to consider re BSkyB, mainly from an on-line petition. Embrace technology, Trousers - it's the modern way In any event, it's a way for those who don't currently use any of his goods and services to register their opinions.

Here's a link to an email you could send to your MP http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/time-to-stand-up-to-murdoch

Good one More a case of Harper(s) bizarre I think.