SIR,

I wrote this week to David Davies MP about the phone hacking scandal and was shocked by his response.

In relation to phone hacking and other illegal or dubious practices to get information, he told me that such practices are "widespread among many sections of the national media" and that he and other MPs "had known about these for years", but felt vulnerable to criticism about curbing press freedom if they took them on.

This response really worried me.

Is it not the role of MPs to uphold the law and take on vested interests acting illegally?

Phone hacking is illegal, as are payments to the police for information, and obtaining medical records without consent.

I believe that News International particularly, and many other national tabloids, operate like bullies.

If you ingratiate yourself with them, or do not threaten them, they will leave you alone or could even be useful.

But if you take them on they will try to pick you off, using any personal weaknesses and illegal methods if need be.

But who can I rely on to confront them for ordinary citizens?

Have they not become too powerful when MPs appear unwilling to uphold the law?

N Harries

(St Maughan's)

• David Davies MP, when asked to clarify what he meant in his response, said: "I did not mean for it to sound like MPs knew what the national newspapers were up to. We knew no more than the general public.

"What I meant is anyone who has ever read a tabloid newspaper should really be aware that they use all sorts of methods to get their stories.

"Tabloid newspapers have never tried to hide the fact they use hidden cameras and long lenses to get their stories.

"Take the Max Mosely case for example. The News of the World was very open about the fact they had secretly filmed him.

"In my opinion journalists should be subject to the same laws on filming people as everyone else.

"Anyone who has spoken out previously about the use of invasive techniques has been accused of trying to muzzle the press.

"I don't think anyone felt they would have public support before, but now hopefully they will."