News of the World publisher settles more hacking claims

News International has agreed 15 new settlements for victims of phone hacking, including ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, comedian Steve Coogan and Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes.

The settlements by News of the World publisher News Group Newspapers, totalling more than £350,000, were revealed in the high court today.

Labour communications director Alastair Campbell said on his website he had accepted a "satisfactory" settlement, which will be donated to charity.

Campbell said: "It is incumbent upon all who for whatever reason are in this debate about press standards, and the relationship between press, politics and public, to keep fighting for the full truth about the nature of the modern media to be exposed, and for something better to be put in its place in terms of ownership, standards and regulation.

Others reported to have settled their claims and accepted damages today include singer Pete Doherty, former MP George Galloway and football agent Sky Andrew.

Sally King, a friend of former home secretary David Blunkett, accepted a settlement, as did her husband. Also reported to have received payments today are Tracey Temple, who had a relationship with Lord Prescott; Phil Hughes, an agent to the late footballer George Best; and ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne and his friend James Gardner.

A claim by singer Charlotte Church, and her parents, has not been resolved, lawyer Hugh Tomlinson QC told the court. It is due to go to trial next week.

Last month, 37 other claims were settled by News Group Newspapers.

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