12/07/2011 BBC News at Six

The pressure on News Corporation increases with fresh accusations

from a former Prime Minister and the police.

Gordon Brown tells the BBC he believes another of Rupert

Murdoch's papers, the Sunday Times, illegally obtained his building

society details. There is absolute proof that News International was

involved in hiring people to get this information. I do know also

that the people that they work with, because h is what really concerns

me most, are criminals. Known criminals.

Scotland Yard is criticised for failing to fully investigate the

phone hacking scandal at the News of the World. They blame News

International. This is a major, a global organisation, with access to

the best legal advice, in my view trying to thwart a criminal

investigation. As all three main Westminster parties prepare to vote

for News Corporation to abandon its takeover of BskyB, Rupert Murdoch

has been called to give evidence to MPs. Also: The BBC learns of fresh

allegations of abuse at second care home for adults with learning

difficulties. An unexpected drop in inflation, down to 2.4%. After last

night's violence, tens of thousands of Protestant marchers march

through Northern Ireland. Has Rory got what it takes to become the

youngest Open champion? Coming up in Sportsday, there's no stage win

for Mark Cavendish. He is piped at Good evening. Welcome to the BBC

News at 6pm. The pressure on News International has increased further,

with allegations today from a former Prime Minister and the

police. In an interview with the BBC, Gordon Brown has claimed the

Sunday Times hired non criminals to access his building society details.

He has revealed how he was moved to tears when the Sun obtained

information about his young son, Fraser's cystic fibrosis.

With the first of tonight's reports our deputy political editor looks

at the Brown allegations. His report contains some flash

photography. Here are Gordon and Rupert at a conference. Here he is

with Rupert's daughter and Rebekah Brooks on his far left. For years

team Brown stayed close to Team Murdoch, but no more. Today the

smiles faded as he accused them of using criminals to investigate his

private life. I had my bank account broken into. I had my lawyers'

files, effectively blanked, as they called it, with someone getting

information. My tax returns went missing, at one point. Medical

records have been broken into. I don't know how all this happened. I

do know one thing, that in two of these instances there is absolute

proof that News International was involved in hiring people to get

this information. I do know also that the people they work with,

because this is what really concerns me most, are criminals.

Gordon Brown claimed they were looking for information about a

flat in this London street that he bought in the early 90s. He said he

paid the market rate. The Sunday Times said he got a knock-down

price. This is the editor of the Sunday Times. No, he's not

resigning. Mr Brown alleged his newspaper had been out to bring him

down as a Government minister. He attacks the way the Sun reported

the way his youngest son, Fraser, was suffering from cystic fibrosis.

He did not allege his son's medical records were stolen, but the

revelation was not legitimate. He said it left him.... In tears. Your

son is now going to be broadcast across the media. Sarah and I were

incredibly upset about it. We are thinking about his future. We are

thinking about our family. There's nothing that you can do about it.

You are in public life. Other parents in public life were

sympathetic. My heart goes out. To have your children's privacy

invaded in that way. I know this myself, particularly when your

child is not well, is completely unacceptable and heart-breaking for

the family concerned. Tonight, the Sun said it had not accessed any

medical records, but had been given the story by a member of the public

with experience of cystic fibrosis. They said the article was written

sensitively and appropriately. Mr Brown accused News International of

having an agenda against him. He said Rupert Murdoch, still in

London today, had wanted the BBC and the media regulator Ofcom

reformed. He, Gordon Brown did not. When the record of my time as Prime

Minister is looked at and all the papers will be there for people to

see, they will show that we stood up to News International. That we

refused to support the commercial ambitions when we thought they were

against the public interest. days the Murdoch empire has faced

allegations about phone hacking by one newspaper - the News of the

World. Mr Brown's interview has now widened the attack to other

newspapers within the group. An attack that is being pressed home

by Labour's current leader, who met the family of Milly Dowler, whose

phone was also allegedly hacked. Tomorrow, he is asking MPs to vote

for a motion calling on Mr Murdoch to withdraw his bid on B Sky B.

What the public want us to do, as the House of Commons is to stand up

and say it is not conceivable that Rupert Murdoch could expand his

reach in the British media while the issues that happened at News

International, while the issues of criminality are being investigated

and while there is so much that is coming out day by day. This

afternoon, the Government said it would back Mr Miliband's motion.

Tomorrow n an historic vote, Parliament has the chance to turn

its back on Murdoch. Today, MPs questioned senior police

officers who previously investigated the phone hacking

scandal. They blamed the company for instructing their --

obstructing their inquiry. The officer said now they are looking

at whether the phones of 4,000 people were hacked. Tonight Rupert

Murdoch, his son and Rebekah Brooks have been called to appear before

MPs next week. Our home affairs correspondent looks now at the

police investigation. A parade of past and serving police

top brass. Arriving by car and on foot, to the Commons, for a

grilling by MPs. Still reeling after a week of relentless

revelations. Chief constable.... Lord Blair was the Metropolitan

Police Commissioner when it first emerged royal aides were having

their phones hacked. How serious was it then? This is one of the...

It was a tiny fragment event in events taking place across London

at that time. Events such as this. The Met ran a swift phone hacking

inquiry and moved on. Thank you very much. My apologies.... Today,

senior officers had to explain why it was not widened out. Peter

Clarke, is a former deputy Assistant Commissioner who led that

first investigation. His reasons.... First the investigation would be

compromised and evidence lost. Second, that the much wider range

of people who we were learning were becoming victims of this activity

would continue to be victimised while the investigation took its

course. But there was another factor - resistance from News

International. This is a major, a global organisation, with access to

the best legal advice. In my view deliberately trying to thwart a

criminal investigation. A common theme. Also in the hot-seat John

Yates, assistant commissioner. The man who decided not to re-open the

hacking inquiry in 2009. It is a matter of great concern, that

forever what reason, the News of the World appears to have failed to

have co-operated in the way we know they should have, with relevant

police inquiries up to January this year. A lack of evidence left Mr

Yates making this announcement in 2009. Our inquiries show that in

the vast majority of cases there was insufficient evidence to show

that tapping had actually been achieved. But many believe the case

was dropped because senior officers became too close to executives at

News International. Enter Andy Hayman, former Assistant

Commissioner. He oversaw the first phone hacking inquiry, but to the

continued astonishment of MPs left the police to write a newspaper

column owned by News International. Do you know how that looks to the

public? I cannot think of anything in the background where the line

has been crossed or I've done anything wrong as a resultd of

being employed by the Times. It is -- result of being employed by The

Times. The inquiry is now not just about

Glenn Mulcaire - the phone hacker - but about corruption. Sue Akers is

leading the commission. She revealed there were 3,800-plus

potential targets for the hackers. Only 170 have been contacted so far.

I'm confident that we've got an intelligent -- excellent team,

working tirelessly to get this right. I hope that I don't have to

come back here in five years' time to explain why we failed.

Rupert Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks per, pursued by the media for days,

have been asked to give evidence themselves to another Commons

committee. No announcement yet. News International says it will co-

operate. Let's go to our correspondent, who

is there. First a all, MPs will unite tomorrow to call for Rupert

Murdoch to abandon his proposed takeover at BskyB. Now we hear he

has been called to appear before MPs. It is common lace to say that

Parliament doesn't -- common place to say that Parliament doesn't

matter. Tomorrow, as you say, there'll be an extraordinary vote,

where Parliament will effectively turn its back on the Murdoch empire.

An empire to which it has effectively sucked up to as a

collective for the past few decades. Tomorrow will represent a victory

for Ed Miliband in pushing this case. Not only that, as you say,

next week the possibility of Rupert Murdoch actually appearing before a

Commons committee himself. After all the expenses allegations

there's some life in that old girl yet! Thank you. The BBC has learnt

that staff have been suspended as a rehabilitation centre in Bristol

for people with learning disabilities. The home to run by

castle bebg, which ran Winterbourne View. Our correspondent is here

with me. What more do you know about this? Rose Villa offers

rehabilitation for adults with learning difficulties and complex

needs. We understand that a member of staff was suspended in June. At

the beginning of July, following a visit by inspectors from the Care

Quality Commission, we were told two more staff were suspended. We

understand a fourth member of staff was suspended, after claims they

miss handled a patient. The company itself has confirmed that a total

of four members of staff have been suspended for misconduct, or

allegation of misconduct. They say they are working the relevant

authorities whilst inquiries are made. It is worth stressing we

don't have any great detail on what the allegation are. I have been

told that we're talking about care that is not of the standard you

would expect. I am being told all those involved have acted quickly.

Thank you. There's been an unexpected drop in

the rate of inflation. Down from 4.5% the previous month. It is as a

result of fierce competition among electrical good suppliers. As our

personal finance correspondent reports, many analysts still expect

inflation to rise later this year. Businesses are having to put the

brakes on when it comes to prices, especially if they are trying to

sell something we can chose not to buy. At this go-karting track in

Birmingham, the owners face rising costs for the carts, clothing and

power. They cannot charge more because customers' incomes are

being squeezed. The issue is there are components, there are parts of

our business which are dependant on overseas input production, from

Pakistan and China. If their costs increase they pass them on to

United Kingdom operators. It is difficult not to pass them on to

the consumer. The surprise slowdown in prize rises means interest rates

are unlikely to go up this year. Inflation remains a problem.

Shoppers are still feeling it. Essentials, including food, keep

getting more expensive. Many have cut back on the luxuries they can

do without. Stores have reponded by slashing prices for extras like

electricals. DVDs, cameras, audio visual equipment, they are down

11.5% on the year. Food has gone up. It is 6.5% higher, which means that

the overall headline rate of inflation is still running at 4.2%,

putting household budgets under continued pressure.

You only have to ask this man and his family from North Wales how

that feels. His income, as a self- employed burglar alarm fitter, has

been falling. With darer petrol and higher bills for heat and power,

the family finances are under strain.

The worst thing is food. Food has gone up quite dramatically.

The price of butter has gone up by 10p a time. A pint of milk and

stuff. It is noticeable when you go on a weekly shop.

On the high street, clothing sales were brought forward to June, which

helped put the lid on price rises. Increases for electricity and gas

on the way, inflation could head up Share prices in British banks have

fallen amid fears that Italy could be the next eurozone country to

need a financial bail out. The value of the euro has also suffered

a 1 point trading at a four month low against the dollar. Let's get

the latest from our chief Economics Editor Hugh Pym. How bad could this

get? There is a sense of mounting

concern around the eurozone this evening over whether Governments

can afford to repay debts and whether more bailouts will be

needed. Italy is the latest country to be seen to be dragged into the

euro crisis, clouds gathering over Rome are affecting the climate in

Europe, shares in London were down and the euro fell sharply against

other currencies. The Chancellor, George Osborne,

joined other European Finance Ministers in Brussels today with

their list of problems growing by the hour.

Sorting out Greece's debts remains a major headache, but investors now

fear that larger economies will need assistance too. For many month,

we have focused very much on Greece, Ireland, Portugal and what seems to

have happened over the last couple of weeks, is that the contagion's

started to spread to Spain, Belgium and primarily to Italy.

Italians have been left in no doubt about their country's economic

problems, slow growth and mounting debt. The newspapers spelling it

out after a sharp fall on Italian markets yesterday.

Here are the numbers which show why the markets are getting worried.

Italy's Government debt has hit 120% of annual output GDP, second

only to Greece where debt is more than 143% of GDP. Exposure to

Italian debt affects investors well beyond the borders, for example,

Total UK bank exposure to Italy's private and public runs to �41

billion, a long way to exposure from Greece at �9 billion.

A financial crisis, as we are facing, now involving Italy and

Spain, is a game change if it's not handled efficiently and it will

mean a recession in Europe, in the world and it will mean a financial

crisis throughout the banking sector here and abroad.

Greece though remains the immediate problem with Europe's politicians

still debating how to resolve it and apparently facing up to the

possibility that some Greek debt will have to be written off.

The time has just gone 6.15. Our top story - the pressure on News

International increases with fresh accusations from a former Prime

Minister and the police. Coming up - can he do it? Rory

McIlroy's hoping he can add to his US victory at the Open. Six months

on from the toppling of the first Middle East regime in the Arab

uprising, many people are trying to flee the region and it's led to a

surge in migration to Europe. For thousands of north Africans and

sub-Saharan migrant workers, one of the main routes is from Lampedusa.

Our Europe editor, Gavin Hewitt, sent this report. In the darkness,

the boat was hard to pick out. There were 300 people on board

without any cover. Then another boat, all heading for

the Italian port of Lampedusa. This is an African Exodus that's

followed the Arab Spring. These boats that came in recent days are

all from the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

For the 30 hour crossing, the migrants had been packed in tight.

Amongst them, very small children. A mark of the desperation that had

driven the boat people to flee for Europe.

Many of them said they were escaping the conflict.

REPORTER: Why did you leave Libya? We leave Libya because of the

fights, they're fighting each other. All the fights in Libya. They were

all fighting. People are dying, no food, no water.

I lost some of my friends. That's why I'm here. This man also hinted

at being put on the boat by Libyan authorities. We heard it too from

others, raising the question whether Gaddafi is making good his

threat to unleash an unprecedented wave of immigration into Europe.

But it's an exhausting and dangerous crossing, this woman was

heavily pregnant. This is the fifth boat to arrive in

Lampedusa in the past 24 hours. In the first few months after the Arab

Spring began, most of the migrants arriving here came from Tunisia.

Theirs is a very different but equally difficult story.

Back in the early months of this year, over 50,000 Tunisians arrived.

They were mainly economic migrants. Their numbers have unsettled some

European Governments but they began questioning Europe's policy of open

borders. These migrants had their hopes pinned on Paris.

We caught up with some of them on a piece of waste land in the French

capital. Many were living rough. All said they wanted to return to

Tunisia. This man said, without papers, it

was impossible to find work. Many had paid smugglers to come to

Europe, but can't now find the money to leave. Most of them want

to return home because there is no hope here. They had a dream and the

dream is not coming true. Back on the boats from Libya, young men

travel with hope. We'd like to work. We love work so much. Showing off

hands eager for work. Europe with 24 million people out of work can

be a hard place to invest your dreams.

Tens of thousands of Protestants have taken to the streets of

Northern Ireland for the annual Orange Order parades. So far

today's marches have been peaceful, despite following a night of

rioting by nationalists and loyalists youths. 24 police

officers were injured as petrol bombs, and stones were thrown and a

bus was hijacked. Mark Simpson reports.

Summer time in Belfast isn't supposed to be like this.

The hope was that the peace process would stop the annual outbreak of

vieliness around the 12th July. The main day of the Protestant marching

season. It's a colourful event and it

brought more than 30,000 people to the centre of Belfast. But the day

of Protestant celebration followed a night of sporadic violence.

Three different riots in three different parts of Belfast.

One right beside the city's main hospital. It's where a Protestant

area meets a Catholic district. The police had to keep the two sides

apart. More than 20 officers were injured.

The peace process reduced tensions during the marching season, but in

recent weeks, they've risen again and so has the trouble. We grue up

with the violence, we don't want our grand kids to. -- grew up.

There is a minority stirring up trouble, we have no time for that.

This evening, so far, it's been peace NFL Belfast. But it's an

uneasy calm. The police are on high alert in the east, west and the

north of the city. Northern Ireland cannot afford

another night like last night. David Cameron has addressed the

Welsh Assembly where he announced a commission into funding for the

Welsh Government. It could mean Welsh politicians would be allowed

to borrow money for big capital projects and the formula for

setting the assembly's budget could be changed. From Cardiff, Gary

O'Donoghue reports. At the headquarters of the Royal

Mint in Cardiff, David Cameron was being shown how to make money.

Westminster sends �15 billion a year to the Welsh Assembly

Government, but Cardiff wants more powers over taxes and borrowing.

So, the Prime Minister came to the Welsh Assembly to announce a new

Commission on Funding. There were criticisms.

We must all recognise that the Welsh economy is too dependent, far

too dependent on the state. When we are dealing, as we are, with the

largest budget deficit in peacetime history, this is simply untenable.

The opposition parties here in the Assembly support greater power for

Wales to raise money. The Welsh nationalists, Plaid Cymru, want to

go further, wanting Cardiff to go to varied income tax as well.

Whatever the commission decides, one thing is clear, more and more

power is moving out of Westminster and into the nations of the UK.

What we are looking for is to get a fair funding package for Wales, to

get limited barrowing powers for the Welsh Government and we are

willing to take on responsibility for taxation.

One of the big projects that could benefit from new borrowing powers

is the M4 around Newport. It's the main road into Wales and a huge

bottleneck. At the moment, the Welsh Government can't borrow the

billion pounds to build a relief road.

While David Cameron conceded there would be changes in funding, he

said the parties in Wales had to come to a consensus on the future.

Something that may not be easy. Now, he's the golf all fans want to

see and Rory McIlroy didn't disappoint today. The 22-year-old

has attempted to become the youngest Open champion for more

than 100 years. He took to the practice range this afternoon. He's

hoping to get another major win under his belt to add to his Open

US triumph last month. Here is Joe Wilson.

Everyone wants Rory McIlroy, even on the practise range. There was a

world champion boxer, Barry manage Wigan to offer advice on physique.

There's been precious little golf for McIlroy recently, enjoying the

life of a sporting celebrity at Wimbledon, for example. Experts

predict he could soon become the UK's highest paid sportsman ever,

if he keeps winning. The way my life seems to be going at the

minute, golf is the easy bit, you know, you go out, you get away, you

are inside the ropes and have five hours to yourself out there, it's

quite nice. I love getting out on the golf course, I feel refreshed

and I'm really looking forward to getting out there and playing again.

McIlroy's done most of his preparation at home. This is his

back garden. Most of his rivals meanwhile have been braving the

Sandwich course and winds touching 30mph. Despite the interest in

McIlroy, he's not officially the world's best golfer, actually the

man over there is. England's Luke Donald, world number

one, but with a point to prove. I've had a great season so far.

I've made my way to the top of the world rankings, so everything's

going to plan. I guess what's leeft is to try and contend and win a

major. In the absence of Tiger Woods, it's suddenly European and

UK golfers who're dominating. Sandwich is never a picnic, but for

Rory, the reluctant celebrity, golf is the release.

is the release. Now a look at the weather. As ever,

it will play a big part at the Open, could be quite blustery on Thursday

with the chance of some rain at Royal St George's over the weekend.

A little rain in Kent today. Heavy showers in south-west Wales and

south-west England. The showers are now starting to fade away. We'll

keep one or two going through the night. Light rain in the extreme

south-east tends to edge out into the North Sea. Most of us having a

comfortable night. Into Wednesday, a similar sort of

day. The vast majority dry and bright with some sunshine. Again, a

few spots will catch the showers, mostly across western parts of the

UK. Here too, there will be some sunny spells, so it's a mixture of

sunshine and scattered showers across the south-west of England.

Temperatures reaching 19 or 20 in the sunshine. Shouldn't be the

intensity to the showers that we've had through the afternoon across

Wales, but there'll still be one or two showers through Wednesday

afternoon. Again, some spells of sunshine. In the sunshine, Northern

Ireland, we may reach 21, 70 Fahrenheit. Again, one or two

showers here, as there will be in western parts of Scotland.

Generally drier conditions across eastern Scotland. A bit of sunshine

and cloud with temperatures in high teens. One or two scattered showers

in northern England. Down the eastern side, fairly cloudy with a

cool breeze blowing. For the Midlands and central parts of

England, sunny spells lifting temperatureing to 20. On Thursday,

a cool breeze across the south-east affecting East Anglia, with the

threat of some rain. Showers in the far north-west, but for many, it's

another dry and bright day with a bit of sunshine. We hang on to the

fine conditions across parts of the south-east on Friday. Further north,

we are expecting a weather system to bring some rain which may well

get to Open Championship for the weekend. That's all for now.