Miliband responds to withdrawal of BSkyB bid

Speaking in the wake of News International abandoning their attempted takeover of BSkyB (for now), Ed Miliband said:

“This is a victory for people up and down this country who have been appalled by the revelations of the phone hacking scandal and the failure of News International to take responsibility.

“People thought it was beyond belief that Mr Murdoch could continue with his takeover after these revelations.”

“It is these people who won this victory. They told Mr Murdoch: ‘This far and no further’.

“Nobody should exercise power in this country without responsibility.”

Update: As for the debate this afternoon, it will still go ahead and the text of the motion can’t be changed – it’s on the order paper. There won’t be a vote, but this will be parliament’s chance to “have their say”.