Miliband calls for independent inquiry into Savile abuse claims

Labour leader Ed Miliband has called for an independent inquiry into Sir Jimmy Savile sex abuse allegations, telling ITV1's The Agenda with Tom Bradby that the public institutions involved including the BBC and the NHS, cannot investigate themselves.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller earlier dismissed demands for an independent inquiry, saying she was "confident" BBC chiefs were taking the claims "very seriously".

Asked whether Savile's victims should receive compensation, the Labour leader replied:

ITV News' UK Editor Lucy Manning reports:

Earlier it was announced the BBC Director General George Entwistle will appear in front of MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport committee next Tuesday to answer questions over the corporation's handling of abuse allegations about Sir Jimmy Savile.

Mr Entwistle was due to speak to the committee before the end of the year but the BBC has offered to bring his appearance forward in light of the allegations.