Libya: A nightmare for the British government.....

The so-called Arab Spring is spluttering along into our summer and heading for winter, with no real progress in sight for the people of those countries brave enough to stand up to their masters. In Libya, despite the western powers lined up against him, Gaddafi remains, his people being slaughtered daily and with the so-called rebels playing their own part in the atrocities.

Who are the rebels the British government has so quickly recognised? Abdel Fattah Younes, the rebel military leader and once a member of Gaddafi's inner circle, was shot dead in mysterious circumstances, probably by someone from his own side. Was he becoming too powerful? Had he still links with the mad Colonel in Tripoli? Many of the rebel groups are being led by those who once so enthusiastically supported the regime, but is this opportunism or a real desire for democracy?

William Hague, the British Foreign Minister, has handed over the Libyan Embassy in London to the unelected rebel council, who are also being allowed access to millions of pounds in funds held in the UK. But what is their ultimate objective beyond the removal of Gaddafi? It is no good replacing Gaddafi, with men hell-bent on revenge and a desire to further suppress the people of Libya. When Gaddafi eventually departs what guarantees will be in place to ensure the new leaders don't just replace his torture and terror with instruments of their own, fully aware that an embarrassed West will be loathe to intervene?

President Obama, it now appears, made an astute political call when he distanced the United States from the direct action against the Colonel, but Sarkozy of France and our own Prime Minister, are now locked into a war on the same side of those who may prove as proficient in the ways of terror and corruption as the regime they want to replace. When the British government says it is "in talks with rebel leaders" who exactly are they talking about and what is the background of such men, beyond the use of the gun and the tank?

Another Royal Wedding: Zara Philllips gets married....what price for the taxpayer?

The second royal wedding of the year took place on Saturday between Zara Phillips, the daughter of the Princess Royal and Mike Tindall, the Rugby star. It was a more low-key affair than that of her cousin, Prince William, just a couple of months ago and took place in a small church (or Kirk) in Scotland. All senior members of the Royal Family attended the occasion and it was announced after the ceremony that the bride will retain her maiden name of "Phillips".

Neither Zara or her older brother Peter have a title, but having The Queen as your grandmother and the haughty Princess Anne for a mother, has not hindered progress within their chosen careers. Miss Phillips is a world-class horsewoman, competing at the highest levels and has delayed a honeymoon to compete in the Gatcombe horse trials and launch her own range of sports gear. Her husband has captained the English team and is preparing for the Rugby World Cup. It is said that Her Majesty vetoed a million-pound magazine deal the couple had been negotiating.

Much has been made of the fact that, unlike the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, this was a close family and friends affair. The Queen herself paid for the reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and the taxpayer, despite not being invited, contributed nearly a half-million pounds for security. As it was a family do, why didn't they have the whole shebang within one of the palace walls? It would have avoided the need for all that extra security.

In PR terms it has been a good year for the Royals, although along the way, Prince Charles has been criticised for using his position to badger government ministers on issues close to his heart. But the Prince of Wales has always been a grumpy sod, even if his heart is in the right place. The younger royals are now coming to the fore, but too many weddings at a cost to the taxpayer, may not go down very well with the hard-pressed public.

USA Politicians playing games with the economy.....

The USA system of government is unlike that in the UK, so the machinations that go on between the Republicans and Democrats can be bewildering for the uninitiated. However, the current argument between the President and the Republicans over the debt ceiling is dangerously close to unsettling world markets, with repercussions for all of us.

The negotiations between the parties is serious business, but reminds me of a pantomime, with both sides playing tough, but, of course, in the end there will be agreement to cobble together a plan of sorts. At least that has been the reckoning until now, but with only days to go before the August 2nd deadline, analysts and stock markets are becoming increasingly anxious.

The idea that the United States of America could find itself unable to pay its bills is something that the rest of us would find difficult to comprehend. It would be like discovering that in real-life Michele Bachmann believes in equality for all.

With the presidential election just over a year away, US politics becomes more focused on domestic issues, with strategic decisions and posturing geared towards the home market. The unsophisticated amongst the rest of us have a simplistic view of the States. In our ignorance we believe that the liberals live in New York and California and anywhere in-between is verging on redneck country. Ridiculous, of course! The movie, Deliverance, has a lot to answer for!

However, we also know that the world economy depends on a power-house like the USA and that instability there could send the global markets spiralling towards another crash. We are relying on President Obama and the Republican leadership to agree a plan that allows America to legally pay its bills.

David Cameron & George Osborne: Tension within the government.....

The Chancellor

Things aren't going well for David Cameron and his Chancellor George Osborne. What with Andy Coulson....partying with the Murdochs.....the economy going nowhere.....Libya....it's been a tough time for David, while George somehow remained above the fray.

However, Mr Osborne is now firmly in the limelight, with the confirmation that he too had a penchant for regular meetings with News International - sixteen since taking office - and wasn't it he who recommended Andy Coulson be hired in the first place? As for his handling of the economy, well despite denials, there is tension within the government, with even his supporters begging the Chancellor to review his fiscal policy and at least consider a "Plan B".

Labour did enormous damage to the economy, so it was never going to be easy for the Chancellor and the Coalition, but are the cutbacks so severe as to stunt a recovery? Mr Osborne seems confident that he can steer the country back to economic growth, but his critics would say that he needs to be more flexible in his approach.

The Chancellor's relationship with News International and the Murdoch circle does not come as a surprise, but it is incredible that he would have thought it proper to wine and dine with Rupert Murdoch, just two weeks before Ofcom were to make a decision on News Corporation's bid for BSkyB. What sort of message did that send out to the regulators?

Ed Miliband had eleven meetings with News International executives since becoming Labour leader and it just confirms that the Murdochs were treated like the gentry up in the big house, expecting all and sundry, including the highest in the land, to doff their caps in recognition of their Medici-like power and influence. Or do I mean the Borgias?

Amy Winehouse: Another star knocking on Heaven's door....

Amy Winehouse was a mess. An addict, unable to withdraw from the drugs and booze that helped kill her. She was also a major star, a singer and songwriter of extraordinary talent, who was unable to cope with the fame that was her due.

It was both touching and horrifying to see the "shrine" that built up around her North London home following the news of her death. Whoever thought it appropriate to leave bottles of booze in tribute to her must lack a brain cell or two, but their gestures were no doubt heartfelt and recognised as such by the singer's devastated family.

Throughout her addictive and erratic behaviour, her family stood by her, especially her dad, Mitch, who supported all the singer's efforts to withdraw from the drink and drugs that so ravaged her body and made a mockery of her talent. Her family have announced they will establish a fund to help addicts.

No drugs were found in the house when her body was discovered and the reason for her death has yet to be confirmed. It is likely she had a heart attack or stroke, as a result of her addictions.

Amy Winehouse was only 27 years-old when she died, the same age as Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones when they knocked on Heaven's door. There is nothing glamorous about any of their deaths, just a sad waste of talent.

Phone Hacking Judge supped at the Murdoch trough....

I must confess I was astounded on reading the news that Lord Justice Leveson, the man appointed by David Cameron to lead the Inquiry into phone hacking by the media, had attended at least two parties at the home of Elizabeth Murdoch, daughter of Rupert and her husband, PR man Matthew Freud.  It seems he also had dinner with the PR boss on another occasion.

Now, wouldn't you think that after all the gob-smacking, jaw-dropping, fuss over phone hacking, the Prime Minister would have gone for someone really independent, or are the Murdoch connections so widespread, that there isn't anyone, not even a senior judge, who hasn't had some form of contact? And wouldn't you think that a judge of his seniority would have immediately ruled himself out of the Inquiry job?

The Lord Justice may be a man of integrity, but it is disgraceful that someone on social terms with a Murdoch would even consider himself a candidate for the job. And what of our Prime Minister, already on dangerous ground over his hiring of Andy Coulson? Is he so reckless, so isolated from public opinion, so lacking in judgement, that he would think it acceptable to appoint Leveson, aware that he had supped at the Murdoch trough?

The phone hacking scandal at News International has exposed the way the UK is run. Rich nobs running the country with a nod and a wink, looking down their noses at the rest of us. The spirit of the Bullingdon Club lives on!

Amy Winehouse: Talented singer loses battle with the bottle and drugs....

Amy Winehouse, only 27 years-old and gifted with one of the most soulful voices to emerge from the UK, has died, after a long battle with drink and drugs. She was found at her home in North London following what appears to be a drug overdose.

The Grammy award winner who had a massive hit with "Rehab" had battled with her addictions for several years, having made numerous efforts to get sober. Last month she attempted a comeback in Belgrade, but her performance was chaotic and she was booed off stage.

Her five Grammys were for her second album "Back To Black" and her soulful voice soared above those of her contemporaries, but sadly, it was  her addiction to booze and drugs that continued to make the headlines and she became almost a parody of a performer, spiralling downwards.

Mark Ronson, the producer, who worked closely with Winehouse, said: "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life."

It is a wasteful end to a career with so much promise and Amy Winehouse joins the roll-call of all those other young artists who died way before their time.

Prince Andrew: Gives up Special Representative position...

The UK is in mourning over the sad announcement by Prince Andrew that he is to give up roaming the world as a trade envoy, or "Special Representative" as he liked to call himself.

The man is an embarrassment to the Royal Family and shames his mother, The Queen, who despite the criticism over the years has always been reluctant to rein in his expensive taste for helicopters and golfing holidays, at taxpayer's expense.  His friendships too have been suspect, with particular controversy surrounding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the US businessman, jailed in 2008 for the prostitution of a minor.

Andrew attracts scandal and his judgement when selecting rich friends has long been a source of gossip. He has been photographed with an alleged victim of Epstein's deviancy and stayed at his home on several occasions, although there is no suggestion that he was involved in sexual activity with the American's female guests.

Sarah Ferguson, the prince's ex-wife, received money from Jeffrey Epstein during one of her many money-related embarrassments. Eye-brows where also raised when the prince's monstrous home, paid for by The Queen on his marriage to Sarah, was bought by a Kazakhstan "friend", for £15million pounds - three-million more than the asking price.

There are those who defend Andrew and insist he secured billions of pounds in trade for the UK, but he has been accused by others of being "rude" and "an embarrassment" when abroad. What angers people is his disdain for the British public in his refusal to reduce his use of expensive modes of travel and the the cost of security as he goes about his engagements.

The Prince has insisted he will continue to promote British trade, but there will be those he comes into contact with, who would be quite happy and relieved if he didn't bother.

Tragedy In Norway: Relief if terror is the act of a lone native....

The news from Norway is horrific, with many dead from the bombings in the centre of Oslo and shootings on an island not far from the Capitol. A 32 year-old native Norwegian has been named as the man responsible and there are suspicions that he, named as Anders Behring Breivik, must have had some help in co-ordinating the attacks. The questions being asked are if the incidents were part of an Al-Qaeda plot, or the work of just one deranged man?

Young teenagers attending a political camp on the island of Utoya were shot and others drowned when they attempted to escape by jumping into the ice cold water. 17 bodies have so far been recovered, with more expected to be found. For a country like Norway, it will be a time of dreadful pain and it can only be imagined the agony of parents about to discover their loved ones are dead.

Police are now searching Breivik's flat for clues and there are suggestions that the suspect had contact with right-wing elements within the country.

David Cameron: Phone Hacking, Conversations and Andy Coulson....

I love the idea that members of the so-called Chipping Norton set being all neighbourly, popping into each other's houses (backdoor) for a lump of gossip or two. But one gets the impression that  conversations were a little more serious...maybe about BSkyB, or jobs for departing newspaper executives for instance. Nothing "inappropriate" of course. God forbid.

There was something a little too cavalier in David Cameron's dismissal of questions regarding conversations he may have had with News International executives over BSkyB, at a time when Murdoch's empire had its heart set on total control of the media group.
 "I never had one inappropriate conversation", was his mantra during PMQs yesterday. But what is clear is that his friendship with his Chipping Norton neighbours, including Rebekah Brooks, was closer than just the occasional wave, or a shared bottle of sherry at Christmas.

His hiring of Andy Coulson as his Director of Communications, against serious advice, showed a stubborn arrogance of a spoilt man, rather than that of a Prime Minister, prepared to listen to and be advised by colleagues. One wonders how his deputy Nick Clegg, having warned Mr Cameron not to employ Coulson at No 10, feel on being ignored? 

Mr Cameron made every effort to fight his corner in the Commons on Wednesday and his own backbenchers gave him a warm welcome at a later meeting. However, there is a sneaking suspicion that his hiring of Mr Coulson and any discussions he may have had with others over BSkyB, will hover around to haunt and hurt him in the coming months.

The Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, is likely not to have slept last night having put his foot in it with his admission in yesterday's debate that Mr Cameron did discuss BSkyB with others, although he made an attempt later to qualify who with. However, he has not made it easier for the Prime Minister, who must feel like strangling him.

The whole sorry phone hacking episode and News International's relationship with the police and politicians has cast shadows over the way the country is being run. The cosiness between the Murdoch empire and the occupant of No 10 has always been unhealthy and that does not just apply to David Cameron, but previous Prime Ministers like Labour's Blair and Brown. The Metropolitan Police have been found to be incompetent, naive and utterly devoid of commonsense and it was not even surprising that ten of its forty-three media advisers were found to be ex-Murdoch employees.

Mr Cameron who has always seemed an assured Prime Minister, is now under pressure, but unless someone can produce a recording of his discussions over BSkyB, then that issue may be a storm in a teacup. His hiring of Andy Coulson may prove more troublesome.

Enda Kenny, Irish Taoiseach attacks Vatican over Child Abuse cover-up...

The Catholic Church had a special place in Irish society, effectively the real rulers of the country for many decades. Presidents and beggars knelt as one to genuflect to those who represented the Vatican. The people of Ireland were proud to hand their children into the care of the religious to be educated and sadly, in the case of some, beaten and abused.

"Give me the child until he is seven and I'll give you the man", is a quote attributed to St. Frances Xavier and one wonders if even back then the clergy were climbing into the beds of the innocent, many of them never to recover from the trauma.

The Roman Catholic Church is no longer the force it once was and in a debate yesterday, Enda Kenny, the Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach), strongly criticised the Vatican, following the publication of a 400 page report into recent clerical abuse in Cloyne, Co. Cork.

"For the first time in Ireland, a report into child sexual abuse exposes an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry in a sovereign, democratic republic as little as three years ago - not three decades ago," Enda Kenny said.
"And in doing so, the Cloyne report excavates the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism, the narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day."

It is a devasting and brave attack on an institution that has thrived on unquestioned obedience in years gone by, abusing its position by turning a blind eye to the behaviour of some of its clergy and religious. In attacking the Vatican, Mr Kenny has at last firmly ended the Church's involvement in Irish State affairs and to have done so must mean he strongly believes the people are behind him.

Not all clergy are pedophiles and many Irish have been inspired by priests and teachers in the religious who encouraged and nurtured, without abuse of their charges. But the Catholic Church did great damage in Ireland and it is a shame that for many years politicians in the country bowed in submission, as the country's children were raped and brutalised.

Robbie Williams: Preparing for life without Take That....

The return of Robbie Williams to Take That has been good for both sides and one suspects that when the current tour ends the man-band will disband. It can't have been easy keeping the show on the road with the volatile Williams, who may be a great entertainer, but is irritating and self-obsessed.

The man is rich and famous, but sadly wallows in low self-esteem, with a need to shock in the manner of a boy who refuses to grow-up. He wants to be admired and loved, but one suspects his fan-base has tired of his antics. He re-joined Take That because he was no longer selling records on his own and his credibility was slowly disintegrating. However, in the past he did record some of the best pop-songs to emerge from the UK and it is interesting that he has made a life for himself in Los Angeles, where he is hardly known. The Americans just don't get his cheeky chappy camp humour.

It's been reported in one of the papers this week that he wants to do a solo tour, despite his battles with stage-fright, but I don't think that is likely to happen. Take That has a unique place in UK entertainment and Robbie Williams is very much a part of their story. I hope he has enjoyed the re-union with his old bandmates and that they all remain friends. One suspects when this tour is over we will find out that the last few months have not been as easy or as relaxing as currently portrayed by the band's publicity machine.

Phone Hacking Scandal: When will a senior politician be forced to resign?

The phone hacking scandal at News International is spreading into other areas of the establishment, with Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, forced to resign following allegations of taking a £12,000 freebie from a spa connected with an ex-NI employee and questions over his handling of the phone hacking scandal and police involvement with the Murdoch empire.

Sir Paul is alleged to have accepted a 20 night freebie at Champneys, a famous UK health retreat, whose PR man was Neil Wallis, arrested last week over the phone hacking scandal. He had previously been employed by Sir Paul as a PR adviser. It beggars belief that a senior member of the police would accept that level of hospitality. Establishment figures are lining up to praise Sir Paul for his "honourable" resignation, but frankly it is right he should go if it is true that he did not pay for his stay at the retreat.

It is just not appropriate for a senior policeman to take such "gifts" no matter what the circumstances and it makes you wonder what the hell is going on at the top levels of our public bodies? Most companies have policies on accepting hospitality and one would expect an even higher degree of propriety from public servants. Sir Paul seems to think that a plea of ignorance in the ways of the media and phone hacking preserves his "personal integrity", but that defence would not be accepted from a Chief Executive of an FT company.

News International appears to have spread a poisonous cloud over areas of the ruling elite, dragging in the police force with the responsibility for investigating the whole rotten hacking scandal and payment to its own officers.

The arrest of Rebekah Brooks, former CEO for News International, was inevitable and one wonders had she resigned a couple of weeks ago would the News of the World have survived? Another question for the cynical is why the police decided to arrest her now, just days before her planned appearance before the Home Affairs media committee? It must mean that for legal reasons and to avoid incriminating herself, she will be limited in what she can say. Will this allow the Murdochs to blame everyone else but themselves? Perhaps Ms Brooks has finally be thrown to the wolves?

The whole scandal is sickening in exposing the way politicians, the media and the police mix and mingle at the top levels of society, with whispered conversations and quiet introductions taking place at parties held by the likes of PR Matthew Freud and his wife, Elisabeth Murdoch. One wonders if their next gathering will be so packed full of senior politicians and brown-nosing celebrities?

The Prime Minister, David Cameron has been damaged by the affair, with his personal friendship with Rebekah Brooks and his backing of Andy Coulson, under the microscope. I wonder if down the road a senior politician will be dragged into the whole episode to the point of having to resign?

Of course there are bound to be contact between sections of our ruling bodies and establishment elite, but the influence and corruption of some involved, have been shocking. You don't expect news organisations to behave in an illegal and immoral fashion or that politicians should be so frightened of some figures in our society that they demean themselves by behaving like courtiers, instead of elected representatives.

Pippa Middleton: Sister of the Duchess having a great time....

At the wedding of her sister, Kate to Prince William, it was Pippa Middleton who got most of the plaudits for her superb figure encased in a bridesmaid's outfit that did wonders for her backside, but not so good for the blood pressure of many a straight man. Kate herself looked fantastic, but it didn't seem right to talk so frankly about the intimate parts of a royal bride, so it fell to her sister to keep the tabloids amused.

Some journalists, women I must say, have written about the publicity Pippa is getting, but in tones of faint disapproval and there is even signs of jealousy seeping through each typed word! The Middletons may be "commoners" within aristocratic circles, but they are rich and moved in society circles well before the prince proposed to Kate.  Remember the royal twosome were going out for close to a decade before William made his bride the Duchess of Cambridge and in British society any association with the Royals opens doors, even if the occupants may be a little sniffy about the pedigree of their guests.

The 27-year old Pippa, has an on-off romance with a banker called Alex Loudon, who is immensely rich, but she is also seen out and about with a former boyfriend, George Percy, the son of the Duke of Northumberland, one of the richest men in Britain. George is his heir and will inherit not just the title but also a fortune. If Pippa married him she would end up richer than her royal sister and a Duchess to boot!

However, Alex Loudon was with the family at the Abbey for the royal wedding and even he has aristocratic roots, one of his relations being an Earl. Meanwhile Pippa Middleton is having a great time, totally unfazed by the attention she receives.

Meanwhile the Duchess of Cambridge wowed everyone on the recent royal tour of Canada and their trip to Los Angeles. It is reported that Prince Charles is jealous of the publicity his son and daughter-in-law received on their first official trip abroad, but I don't believe that. Charles may have been a bad husband to the late Princess Diana, but he has proved an excellent father to his two sons who adore him.

Now back in the UK, Prince William has returned to his helicopter job in North Wales, where he and his new wife are pretending to be a normal couple, living in a small house without staff, but surrounded by security officers.

Next year The Queen will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee as Sovereign and the rest of the royals have been told to keep a low-profile during the period of celebrations. It would no doubt annoy Her Majesty if William and Kate upstaged her by announcing the birth of a child, so it is likely any addition to their family will be postponed until 2013.

The Middleton parents must be proud of their three children - there is a brother James - and rightly so. Between them they have more class and style than most members of the Royal Family.  

Rupert Murdoch: Until last week a true Master of the Universe......

Until last week Rupert Murdoch was one of the most influential people in the world, a true Master of the Universe, with a media empire so powerful that he was always just one telephone call away from a Prime Minister or a President.

He is now fighting for the survival of not just his UK media interests, but those around the world, including the USA. The phone-hacking scandal that first hit the News of the World, has spread like a virus, with rumours and counter-rumours threatening the reality of the situation. In the US it is now been reported that NOTW reporters in the UK attempted to hack into the phones of victims of 9/11.The FBI are now going to investigate although, up to now, there is no shred of evidence that it actually happened.

Those responsible for the illegal activities that took place within News International deserve to be caught and punished, but that does not mean that a whole Corporation should be brought down. Thousands of innocent and talented people work for News Corporation and its subsidiaries around the world and hundreds of them have already lost their jobs on the defunct News of the World.

In the UK it is right that a judge has been appointed to oversee an Inquiry into the media. It is also right that the current police investigation continues - yesterday, another ex-employee of Mr Murdoch was arrested.  Next week, Rebekah Brooks, Rupert Murdoch and his son James, will appear before a Home Affairs media committee to answer questions. It will be interesting to see how the three react to MP's questions. Those very MPs who a few short weeks ago would have run naked around London in pursuit of an invitation to a Murdoch party.

Over the years, News International and its parent News Corporation could be accused of using its powerful base to influence politicians on both sides of the Atlantic to look favourably on Mr Murdoch's own world agenda, but that does not mean that he personally knew about the hacking methods of his employees. Unlike Ms Brooks and other Senior Executives, who if they didn't know, then surely should have.

It is important that the role of the media in how it gathers information and its relationship with politicians and police, should be investigated, but it would be wrong if it was allowed to be used by our political masters to score points against Mr Murdoch or the free press in general. The ex-PM Gordon Brown made a big mistake when addressing the House of Commons the other day. In a speech that he used to justify his failure as Prime Minister he was spiteful about the very media he grovelled to in days gone by. He also appears to have a selective memory about some of his own dealings with Mr Murdoch's papers. Whatever credibility the man had left was squandered on the day.

Politicians now have the upper-hand in dealings with news organisations and some of their anger against them will be purely personal. It was the media who exposed the MPs expenses scandal and it is the media who has stopped many of them from undertaking deeds not necessarily legal, moral, or befitting a representative of the people in Parliament. Sadly, it is in the interest of too many of our politicians to restrict the freedom of the press and we, the people, should remember that.

Rupert Murdoch: BSkyB bid now dead in the water.....

It is hard to believe the comings and goings connected with the phone hacking scandal that threatens to sink News International and even the parent company News Corporation. Billions have been knocked off the value of Rupert Murdoch's empire and the politicians here in the UK have lined up to urge him to drop his bid for total control of BSkyB.

With criminal charges against several of his subordinates possible, what are the chances of his bid for BSkyB succeeding? I would have thought that a total takeover is now dead in the water. Mr Murdoch's influence in the politics of the UK must also be on the wane as party leaders, including Mr Cameron, distance themselves from his circle, one they were all happy to be part of just a few short weeks ago.

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg met for under an hour yesterday to discuss Murdoch's bid, with the Prime Minister firmly joining Labour (and the Liberal Democrats) in putting pressure on the media mogul to re-consider his takeover attempt of BSkyB. The debate in the House of Commons today will have MPs on all sides joining in the condemnation of Mr Murdoch and his empire. Politicians, once scared of him, are now lining up to stop his ambition to own even more of the country's media.

News International's other papers, The Sun and The Sunday Times have been dragged into the scandal, although The Sun has been forceful in denying it obtained stories and information through illegal activity. It strongly denies underhand moves to obtain information about ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his family. Other media organisations will now be wondering when they will be dragged into the whole affair and there will be a lukewarm response from them to a public Inquiry, even if publicly they will have to be seen to support it.

The Police have been totally embarrassed by the whole scandal, their investigations and actions, seen as incompetent, with suggestions in some quarters of a cover-up. Certainly, it has been revealed that members of the police force took money from sources within News International and there have been allegations that investigations were not pursued because of the relationship between Mr Murdoch's empire and members of the Metropolitan Police.
The Home Affairs Committee gave four senior police a tough grilling on Tuesday and next week are expected to quiz senior executives from News International, including Rebekah Brooks, who still retains the support of Rupert Murdoch.

One day a film will be made of this scandal, but some parts will have to be toned down for fear of audience disbelief. Who would have thought that Rupert Murdoch would become a pariah amongst the very people who, just a week or so ago, trembled in his presence, even as they supped his champagne?

David & Victoria Beckham: Unto them a girl is born.....

The fourth child of David and Victoria Beckham was born in Los Angeles on Sunday. It was a girl to join the pair's three other children, all boys. Harper Seven arrived in the world at 7lb 10oz and to celebrate, Victoria is said to have ordered her husband to get his "goldenballs" snipped. It seems that Victoria suffered bad back ache and bunions throughout the planned pregnancy and has decreed that her family was now "complete".

The girl's name Harper was said to have been chosen by her siblings whose favourite TV programme, Wizards of Waverly Place, features a character called Harper. The Seven is David's lucky number and he was determined that at least one of his children bear it as part of their name.

The Beckhams are truly a star couple, with a marriage that has endured ups and downs, including his alleged affairs with other women. In the past Victoria has been vilified in the media, but has emerged as a serious fashion designer, fast becoming a national treasure here in the UK.

I admire them both, because whatever they have in life they earned themselves, through their own talents. David has become a great ambassador for his country and sport, while his wife Victoria's drive and ambition has made them both rich beyond their dreams.

Rupert Murdoch: Still fighting for control of BSkyB......?

Rupert Murdoch may have had to surrender the News of the World over the phone hacking scandal, but he will not let his ambition to fully control BSkyB fade away without a fight. The political pressure is on to deprive him of control, but News International's tentacles spread wide. There will still be those waiting for a telephone call from the media mogul, or one of his representatives, seeking support for his bid.

What has emerged over the past few days is the insidious circle of friends and networkers who have access to the great and the good elected to run the country, regardless of political party. The cosy friendships Tony Blair and David Cameron have with the likes of PR boss Matthew Freud, Murdoch's son-in-law, may come under further scrutiny in the weeks and months ahead. Who do these people represent and how many whispered conversations to push a particular agenda takes place over the champagne?

It is not just the Murdoch empire which has expected special treatment from our political masters. Other newspaper groups have been guilty of undue influence and the phone hacking scandal will soon be seen as not just exclusive to the News of the World.

Some commentators in recent days have been right to point out that any Inquiry into the media must not be used as an excuse to totally devoid it of freedom to report the truth, whether it be about a footballer's affairs or an MP's misdeeds. A free press is something to be proud of, but it too must work within the law.

Harry Potter: JK Rowling & the disappearing agent.....

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Pt 2 was launched this week at a star-studded premiere in London and appears to coincide with the termination of JK Rowling's relationship with Christopher Little, the literary agent who discovered her.

The author, said to be worth £550 million, has apparently decided to throw her weight behind a breakaway agency, leaving the 71 year-old Mr Little distraught. Instead of being the end of an era,  Ms Rowling is working on an interactive website that will enhance the Harry Potter brand and she has chosen to be represented by Neil Blair, who is leaving the Little agency to set up his own.

Meanwhile the young cast of the Harry Potter saga have been saying goodbye to their ten-year acting apprenticeship, with the three main leads Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Ron Grint now multi-millionaires. The acting from the threesome has been somewhat suspect along the way and one wonders which of them will emerge as International stars away from the Potter films?

Daniel Radcliffe has been in two Broadway productions, "Equus" and currently "How to succeed in business...." receiving good notices, but there are doubts he can make it as a leading man in Hollywood. With over £40 millions pounds in the bank, he could afford to take it easy for the rest of his life, but he appears determined to make his mark as an actor.

He has also been busy supporting various good causes, including a charity that helps suicidal gay and lesbian youth, which has led to claims that he is gay himself, something he denies. Although it is sad that he has to.

The series is bowing out with a film that has received rave reviews, even surpassing the high production values of its predecessors. JK Rowling and the film producers have treated fans of the books and those who just eagerly watched each film with respect and the Harry Potter series will go down in film history as one of the most successful franchises ever.

Joe McElderry: Winner of Popstar to Operastar...

Joe on X Factor

Having been thrown on the scrapheap by Simon Cowell, Joe McElderry, the winner of last season's UK X Factor, has gone on to win the final of TV's Popstar to Operastar. Runner-up was Cheryl Baker from Buck's Fizz. The idea for the show is that singer's normally associated with pop are required to perform opera. I only saw a couple of episodes, but on tuning in to the final (Sunday) I must admit to being totally amazed and impressed by the performances of both Joe and Cheryl.

McElderry was ill-served by Cowell's record label, who were unable to see the commercial value in a 20 year-old gay boy's appeal to a pop market. His uptempo debut single was totally wrong for his voice and it was a weird choice considering it was his delivery of power ballads that got him the votes on X Factor. Hopefully, a new recording contract will see him perform the material best suited for his voice and without doubt the musical theatre beckons.

X Factor will soon be gracing our screens on both sides of the Atlantic, but what has become obvious is that the artists performing are just fodder for a TV show where the judging panel are the real stars. It is the interplay between them that makes good television, which may prove a problem for the UK version which will be without the presence of Mr Cowell.

There are rumours that at some point Cheryl Cole will make a comeback on X Factor, where Gary Barlow of Take That is said to be proving himself a real Mr Nasty at the audition stages. That is a surprise, because I always thought his downfall would have been he was too nice, although he could alienate viewers if he goes too far in the opposite direction. There can be only one Simon Cowell!!

News of The World: Will Rupert Murdoch survive this?

It is difficult writing about the NOTW phone hacking scandal and the demise of the best-selling paper, because the story keeps changing by the hour. As I write, the staff at the News of the World will soon pack their bags and walk out the door of News International, their jobs lost due to the actions of others, but who are still working to complete the final edition, out of loyalty to the publication and current editor, a shell-shocked Colin Myler.

It is extraordinary that a paper that still sold in millions is being closed down by Murdoch, but in a leaked speech to the staff Rebekah Brooks spoke of the NOTW being a "toxic brand", while she was accused by one angry employee of being "arrogant". There are concerns within News International that further revelations will emerge that could destroy the House of Murdoch and the feared Rupert himself is heading for London to take charge of a damage limitation operation, which may already be too late to salvage his and his corporation's reputation.

Andy Coulson, former editor of the NOTW, who resigned as the Prime Minister's Communications Director in January, was arrested, along with two others, on Friday. He was questioned for several hours before being released and over the coming months it is his friendship which could make life very difficult for David Cameron. Did the Prime Minister quiz Coulson about the phone hacking before hiring him and if so, how much did he know? Why did he persist in employing him when all around were advising him against it? Was he doing Murdoch a favour?

There is a sigh of relief and a certain amount of gloating over the whole scandal in some quarters, with many politicians and others, delighted to watch the Murdoch empire wallow in a mess of its own making. Many had reason to fear the News of the World, rightly so in most cases, but others found themselves fearful of an organisation which could "make or break" whoever it wished.

Labour is doing well to pile the pressure on the Prime Minister, but it needs to be careful not to overdo it, because it wasn't just those in the current government who stood in the queue at News International parties. Labour too have bowed in obedience towards Mr Murdoch and didn't Tony Blair fly all the way to Australia to meet with the media mogul prior to his first election as Prime Minister?

The Murdoch empire in the UK includes The Sun, The Times and Sunday Times, still respected and powerful publications. Whether Mr Murdoch will add total control of BSkyB to his treasure chest is now in doubt. If he fails to control BSkyB and, without the money-making News of the World, what future is there for Rupert Murdoch and News International in the UK?

The Guardian newspaper is to be congratulated on its investigation into the phone hacking scandal, uncovering wrongdoing, even after the first incompetent police inquiry.

Kate & William: The Golden Couple in LA

Ever since the death of Princess Diana the press on both sides of the Atlantic have been waiting for someone to replace her. It appears they have, in the elegant shape of her daughter-in-law, Kath Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William's bride has quickly and easily stepped into the role as a member of the Royal Family, her confident but friendly manner on the Canada trip earning her much praise. This week she is in Los Angeles where the A-Listers are lining up to shake her hand and that of Prince William. The Cambridge Two are now officially the golden couple of the International scene and it will be interesting to see who the Duchess will befriend as she mixes and mingles amongst them.

No doubt she will have been advised to stay clear of Monaco's Grimaldi family who, despite their wealth, behave like royal trailer trash. Sarah Ferguson will also be discouraged from popping in for a cup of tea. Princess Diana loved pop-stars and fashion designers, although she was without prejudice in her choice of boyfriends, but the Duchess is a clever woman and will avoid embarrassing her husband or The Queen.

Kath is at an advantage in that, as far as we know, Prince William really has married her for love. It is also hoped that he will not follow family tradition and find himself a mistress.

News of the World: Murdoch shuts the publication down....but keeps his Rebekah

The announcement that Rupert Murdoch was to cease publication of the 168 year-old News of the World, must have been met with joy by the commercial departments of other papers, no doubt about to gain all that advertising revenue suddenly available.

However, some senior executives and journalists in those less than whiter than white rival tabloids, will be shivering in fear, wondering when their own phone hacking activities will be uncovered and if they too will face the same backlash as the News of the World.

It was an unexpected move by Murdoch to close down the News of the World and the decision to do so would have been a strategic one. He is not a man prone to emotion, unless, that is, it concerns his Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks, who did offer her resignation yesterday, but had it rejected by the Great Communicator.

One wonders if the closure makes it easier for the government to award News International control of BSkyB, before a later resurrection of the mighty Sunday staple? Or perhaps sister paper The Sun will become a seven-day operation?

This Sunday's News of the World will be its last, at least for now and it will be published without advertising. News International has also announced that all profits from this edition will go to good causes. It does appear that the parent company News Corporation realised how toxic the publication had become, which also impacted on its North American business and share price, which later recovered on the closure announcement.

Tonight, it was reported that Andy Coulson, ex-editor and former Downing Street Communications Director, will be amongst those arrested tomorrow over phone hacking activities. The whole scandal is a nightmare for the Prime Minister David Cameron, who against advise appointed Coulson. The Prime Minister is also a friend of Rebekah Brooks and Murdoch's son-in-law, Matthew Freud, PR supremo and a man who many say has too much influence amongst those in power.

The closure means that several hundred will lose their jobs, with some great journalistic talent lost. It is reported that many employees are angry that Murdoch has so quickly chosen to close the publication rather than sack Ms Brooks. It is felt that within the newsroom, those mainly involved in the illegal activities have already departed and it is the current team who are paying the price.

There is an Establishment elite within the UK with too much influence and power. For a long time Rupert Murdoch and his papers have played a deciding role in the country's politics and policies. It appears that Ed Miliband the Labour leader has now decided the time is right to take him and his organisation on, which could prove dangerous for the future. The Murdochs will not forget his treachery.

On the other hand Mr Cameron will have to spend time defending his decision to appoint Mr Coulson and his reluctance to condemn Ms Brooks, who was News of the World editor during some of the most abhorrent phone hacking activities.  One wonders if and when the police will be knocking on her door, or is Andy Coulson and other minions going to take the fall?

News of the World: Phone Hacking a speciality....

Firstly, Ed Miliband showed some real mettle at PMQs yesterday (Wednesday), successfully articulating the disgust the general public feel over the News of the World and its phone hacking activities, covering everyone from celebrities to the families of murder victims. It's the story, stupid, seemed to be the sole motive in breaking the law for the sake of a scoop, at the paper which over the generations has guarded the country's morals, with faux shock at the antics of everyone from brothel keepers to current Z-listers.

The Prime Minister tried to catch Miliband off-guard with his decision to agree to not one, but possibly two public inquiries, although, despite the Labour leader's plea, he wriggled out of calling for the resignation of his good friend Rebekah Brooks who was editor at the time of the most serious hacking and is now Chief Executive of News International in London. Rupert Murdoch, her boss, issued a statement deploring the activity at the newspaper, but continues to back Ms Brooks.

Those people the paper has offended in the past and were too scared to retaliate for fear of being savaged in its pages, have joined in the chorus demanding a full inquiry into the way the media operates in the UK. But, make no mistake, phone hacking is not exclusive to the News of the World and other tabloids may find themselves under the spotlight in the coming months.

Andy Coulson, also an ex-Editor of the NOTW and who David Cameron then hired as his Communications Director, has now been named as the executive alleged to have authorised payment of money to members of the Police force, presumably for their inside knowledge of incidents and events. It is perhaps fortunate for the Prime Minister that Coulson resigned in January, denying that he was aware of the illegal activity, but accepting responsibility as some of it happened on his watch. Ms Brooks has so far not seen fit to do likewise.

Big names have already withdrawn advertising from the paper's pages, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks. Mr Murdoch's empire is looking shaky at present and those demanding Rebekah Brooks head will not rest until she is removed from her current position. Rupert Murdoch is a stubborn man and will not want to be seen to capitulate to the mob. However, the very foundations of his empire are being attacked and the financial impact could be massive, so he may have no choice but to take the moral high ground and fire Ms Brooks.

David Cameron in Afghanistan: Must he endear himself to Karzai like some dancing boy?

The Prime Minister should always be applauded for visiting the troops in Afghanistan and during this latest one he once again informs us how important the war on terror is for the stability of the UK and to review for himself how the Afghan security forces are being trained to take over when the rest of the world departs.

It is a pity that some of those self-same Afghan forces are hell-bent on carrying out the work of the Taliban, but even then, David Cameron is asking that the terror group put down their arms and start urinating from inside the tent. It make sense even if, sadly, it is most likely that it will be the Taliban in control once the rest of us move out.

What I found most disturbing about this visit was Mr Cameron's unnecessary plaudits for President Karzai and his emphasis on the personal friendship between them. This is the President who presides over a corrupt and debased administration and it is even questionable how much of the country outside of Kabul is actually under his government's control.

It may be politically necessary for the Prime Minister to shore up Karzai and his administration, but that doesn't mean he has to endear himself to the President, like some dancing boy.

Cheryl Cole: Back with Ashley....

Cheryl Cole had it all in the palm of her hand and then found herself fired from X Factor USA, returning to the UK to nurse the hurt and, by the sound of it, stoke the flames of bitterness against her former Svengali, Simon Cowell.

I still think that had she dressed more like Kate, now Duchess of Cambridge, she would have had greater acceptance, but on her first public appearance in the USA her sense of style deserted her and she emerged in an outfit that had some fashionista reach for comforting carbs and therapy treatment. Some may never recover.

Since then, Miss Cole has re-emerged with a new blonde hairstyle and a re-awakening of her romance with ex-husband and love rat Ashley Cole. Now, I don't know if he is good for her long-term or not, but I find it amazing how the media has urged her not to return to him. As if her private life had anything to do with the rest of us!

Ashley is obviously the man she wants and as she is not a stupid woman, one imagines she knows the risks involved in getting back with him. He professes to love her too and I believe him, although I also think he is the kind of guy who can separate love for someone with a roll in the hay with another. There are lots of men like that, just ask their long-suffering wives or mistresses. Ask Camilla!

Cheryl Cole will be on television again soon and battling with the Duchess for tabloid space. Meanwhile, if being back with Ashley makes her feel good then that's her business.

News of the World hacked phone of murder victim...

The News of the World hired a private investigator to uncover stories surrounding the murder of 13 year old Milly Dowler in 2002, while also hacking into her mobile cell phone. It is alleged that journalists working on the paper deleted some voice mail on the murdered girl's phone to make way for fresh messages, which gave her family and the police false hope that she was still alive.

The scandalous behaviour of those directly employed by the Rupert Murdoch owned paper, appears to have been uncovered by a new police investigation into the whole hacking scandal, which the newspaper has always insisted was the work of rogue employees and unknown to those in charge. However the latest allegations are the most serious yet, amounting to the direct tampering of evidence in a case that became a murder hunt and can't be so easily brushed aside by the then editor Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, who recently resigned as the Prime Minister's Communications Director, but at the time was Deputy Editor of the News of the World.

It does seem unbelievable that such behaviour was taking place in a newsroom while those in charge remained totally ignorant of wrongdoings. Rebekah Brooks is now chief executive of Murdoch's News International in the UK and a major media player, with friends in high places. Andy Coulson resigned from David Cameron's team back in January because of phone hacking allegations against celebrities, many of whom are suing the newspaper. Others, like actress Sienna Millar, have already accepted large sums in damages.

Hacking into the mobiles of publicity junkies like actors, footballers and politicians is one thing, even if illegal, but to use such tactics for a story concerning  a missing child, later found dead, is beyond distasteful and seems to demonstrate a lack of any moral guidelines within the paper.

Mr Murdoch himself has always been seen as a shadowy figure in Britain, said to have instant access to any Prime Minister and with enormous influence through his publications, The Sun, The Times and The News Of The World. He is also about to get full control of BSB, owner of Sky News. This latest investigation will not be to his liking and the heads of senior executives may need to be sacrificed, if his empire is to retain its credibility and influence within the UK.

Ed Miliband: Lacking in leadership over pensions....

A TV interview with Ed Miliband over last Thursday's public sector strikes, in which he gave the same answer over and over, has once again raised questions about his ability to lead the Labour Party. We all know that it was Trade Union votes that handed him the job over his brother David, so he was bound to walk a tightrope between being less than enthusiastic over the strike action, but without condemning the Unions, but his mechanical replies to questions were an embarrassment for a Leader of the Opposition.

What he displayed was not leadership, but a reminder of his debt to the Trade Unions and a throwback to the days when Labour was paralysed by them. His reply showed a total inability to respond to real events, other than repeat over-and-over a prepared mantra.

Who would take over from him? There was a piece in the Mail On Sunday that suggested senior figures in the party had approached James Purnell to seek re-election as an MP, as the first stage in a battle for the leadership. But after his failed attempt to overthrow Gordon Brown, another move by him to embarrass the leadership would get short shift from the rank and file.

Of course, Mr Miliband has to be careful not to be seen to be siding too strongly with the Coalition government over the strikes. In truth, Labour too would have had to tackle public sector pension funding had it remained in power and is probably happy that the current government is there instead to do the job for them.

Gordon Brown did much damage to private pension funds when Chancellor and those in such schemes are paying the price, with higher contributions and lower returns. So it is no wonder that the general public is somewhat lukewarm over paying more money in taxes to allow the public sector continue to enjoy enhanced pensions unavailable to the rest of us.

Many of us were inconvenienced by the Thursday strike, which in the current climate was seen by the majority of the general public as self-serving rather than a fair protest. It is not in the interest of the Labour Party to take the strikers side and that is the reason why Ed Miliband responded as he did in the interview.

America: The making of a president...Michele Bachmann, cold to humanity

I love Americans, so democratic, you allow anyone with money make a pitch for the presidency. Mad or dangerous, you give them a chance and it is something to admire, even if the rest of us worry for your sanity. No disrespect, I'm just saying.

Fortunately, you usually select the right one, even if at first we non-Americans raise our eyes to heaven. Look at Ronald Reagan. Who would have thought that he would become a much-admired and under-rated occupant of the White House? There's George W. Bush of course, who had a penchant for going to war, but had excellent table manners, as befits someone from his well-heeled background. Obama was the world's choice and you accepted our desire to elect him as the first black president, although the jury is now out on his ability to rescue America from its economic doldrums, but somehow his election made up for all those years of racism and slavery and we thanked you for it.

The next presidential election is nearly upon us and Sarah Palin is doing her "maybe I will, maybe I won't" thing, but we all hope the latter, although it worries us a little that she is even thought of as a possible contender. The woman is an ignorant nut.

Now you are frightening us even more with the emergence of Michele Bachmann, a woman of steely extreme right-wing bigotry who was applauded when she announced her intention to become a candidate for the 2012 election. Surely her audience was just humouring the woman, allowing her a moment of self-delusion?

She is anti-tolerance, except when it comes to fostering needy children, even if her sums about how many are somewhat suspect. Her anti-gay stance is sad, especially as it disowns her own step-sister who is openly lesbian and has lived with her partner for many years. The fact that Bachmann believes in what she says is a frightening portrayal of a woman cold to humanity and the rights of others who do not share her beliefs. It is hoped that her presidential ambitions will be dashed. You usually, well, sometimes, get it right.....

Kate and William: Modern Royals Hollywood bound via Canada....

The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Kate, are wooing the crowds on their first official visit as a couple to Canada. Kate has quickly settled into her role as a royal wife, bringing glamour and class to the House of Windsor. 

When it comes to looks, the balding, dare we say, chubby-looking Prince William, is losing his fast and it is the new Duchess, who is providing the movie-star charisma, although unlike his self-centred father who hated sharing the limelight with Princess Diana, the young Prince appears to delight in the excitement his wife creates wherever she goes. Will his enthusiasm last or will he, like his father, come to resent his secondary role during walkabouts?

Next week the pair head for the USA and Hollywood, where the stars are lining-up to meet them and those not on any guest list are leaving LA in a hurry, having hastily-arranged appointments elsewhere. There has been criticism here in the UK that access to the couple in LA will be confined to the elite, but that is the case wherever the royals go. Pressing the flesh with ordinary folk are well-scripted and tightly-controlled affairs, like throwing scraps to the peasantry.

There are always efforts to make the royals more accessible, but even in these times of economic belt-tightening for the majority of people within the UK, the latest financial accounts from Prince Charles own household, shows a total lack of empathy with his future subjects. This paragon of green issues who likes nothing better than lecture on the greed of man, is a big spender when it comes to home comforts, including a household staff of 159. It is said that he even has someone to squeeze his toothpaste onto his toothbrush, but surely that can't be true? Maybe not, but then there are stories of an aide holding a container while he peed into it, so who knows?!

Prince William seems determined not to emulate his sybaritic father, but his whole life will be one of grandeur and exclusivity, with or without his own personal piss-pot aide.