News International has denied allegations Tony Blair was targeted by a detective employed by them Former prime minister Tony Blair was targeted by a private detective who did work for a newspaper group, a Labour MP has claimed.
Tom Watson told MPs that Mr Blair was subjected to covert surveillance by private investigator Jonathan Rees.
Mr Watson said: “Jonathan Rees, a contractor to News International, targeted former prime minister Tony Blair for covert surveillance.”
News International said it believed the allegations were “wholly inaccurate”.
Mr Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, was speaking following a statement by Home Secretary Theresa May on the setting up of the National Crime Agency to replace the Serious Organised Crime Agency.
Mrs May told the Commons the US-style agency will have sweeping new powers to step in and co-ordinate police forces in a bid to tackle organised crime and secure the UK’s borders.
News International apology
Mr Watson raised the allegations over Mr Rees and asked the home secretary: “It is likely that witness testimonies have been available to the Metropolitan Police for a number of years on this?
“Is this the sort of case that she would take from the Metropolitan Police and give to the new National Crime Agency?”
In response to the allegations, News International said: “It is well documented that Jonathan Rees and Southern Investigations worked for a whole variety of newspaper groups.
“With regards to Tom Watson’s specific allegations, we believe these are wholly inaccurate.
“The Met Police, with whom we are co-operating fully in Operation Weeting, have not asked us for any information regarding Jonathan Rees. We note again that Tom Watson MP made these allegations under parliamentary privilege.”
On Tuesday the News of the World’s owner, News International, formally apologised in court to the actress Sienna Miller for hacking into several of her mobile phones.
The 29-year-old actress, who was not at London’s High Court, formally settled for £100,000 damages and costs.
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