MP tells Leveson of “threats” from News International

Norman Lamb appears before Leveson Inquiry Credit: ITV Anglia

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb has told the Leveson inquiry that News International made threats of unfavourable press coverage against the coalition government.

Giving evidence which lasted just over 15 minutes, Mr Lamb revealed two meetings he had with News International’s Fred Michel in 2011 where discussions on BSkyB took place.

Going over notes of the second meeting on October 27th, 2011, the Liberal Democrat MP said he received a signal from Mr Michel that the positive coverage the coalition had been receiving from Murdoch’s papers could quickly change.

Asked by Lord Justice Leveson why it has taken him this long to come forward with his evidence, Mr Lamb said he had been thinking it over and “was trying to get to grips with new ministerial responsibilities”, but felt he had to tell the story of what happened.