No 10 aide Andy Coulson denies hacking claims

Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson has told the Metropolitan Police he is happy to meet them voluntarily about phone-hacking claims from his time as editor of News of the World.

Mr Coulson, who maintains the full confidence of the Prime Minister, has always denied that he knew reporters on the paper were involved in listening to mobile phone voicemail.

But former News of the World reporter Sean Hoare has alleged former editor Mr Coulson asked him to hack into phones, a claim Mr Coulson denies.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are going to examine new evidence in the case. This afternoon the Home Secretary will come to the House of Commons to answer questions about the investigation.

James Landale reports.