Cameron: News Corp should forget merger and 'clear up mess'

News Corporation should stop thinking about mergers and "clear up the mess" resulting from allegations of criminal activity, the prime minister said today.

In a lively prime minister's questions David Cameron said the media company should focus on getting its "house in order" rather than its current bid for the remainder of BSkyB.

The government is due to back a Labour motion later today which will be voted on by MPs, calling on News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch to withdraw the company's BSkyB bid.

Earlier this week culture secretary Jeremy Hunt referred the bid to the Competition Commission after News Corp withdrew its proposed undertakings.

"It is increasingly clear everyone wanted to separate what is happening to News International and what is happening to BSkyB," Cameron said.

"They should stop worrying about mergers and sort out the mess they have created".

Referring to today's motion against News Corporation's bid for BSkyB Cameron said it was "good that the House of Commons is going to speak with one voice".

"The government has a job to do to act within the law and the culture secretary has to obey with the law, and yes as the Honourable Member says we should look at amending the laws.

"... This business has to stop the business of a merger and get on with the business of cleaning its stables".

He added that he would also shortly be setting out proposals to encourage a change to the relationship between the media and politicians to ensure greater transparency.

Labour leader Ed Miliband also asked if Cameron agreed it was "an insult" to the family of Milly Dowler that Rebekah Brooks remains in her post as chief executive at News International.

When allegations emerged that Milly Dowler's phone had been hacked while she was missing in 2002 Brooks said she was "sickened" but would not step down.

"Her right to resign should have been accepted," Cameron said today.

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