Appeal to Journalists for Information on the Daniel Morgan Murder and its Cover-Up

Tomorrow marks the 28th Anniversary of the murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, and his family’s amazing decades-long campaign for justice. The police corruption around the most investigated murder in British criminal history has been described by an assistant Metropolitan police commissioner as one the biggest stains on Scotland Yard’s history. But Daniel’s murder also leads straight back to the doors of the British press and its relationship with private investigators.  It is “the cradle where the dark arts were born” as a senior police officer once described it to me.

Baroness Nuala O’Loan, chair of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel,  has made this timely appeal:

“We are approaching the 28th anniversary of Daniel Morgan’s murder. We want to hear from anyone who believes that they may have information which is relevant to our work.

“If you believe you have any such information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us by email at: contactus@dmip.gsi.gov.uk “

The suspects in the Daniel Morgan murder and its cover-up worked extensively in Fleet Street for over 20 years, and established long term relationships with many journalists and freelancers, particularly at the News of the World, but also at the Mirror Group. Andy Coulson re-employed Jonathan Rees on the latter’s release from prison in 2005. Apart from known collaborators such as Mazher Mahmood and Alex Marunchak, there must be dozens who have information.

It’s my belief nothing will be resolved until the truth of the Daniel Morgan murder comes out. The allegations of phone hacking and payments to public officials are still going through the courts in an atmosphere of recrimination. People can argue about the privacy of celebrities or cheque book journalism, but there can be few moral grey areas in this dark story of murder.

As with the Hillsborough Panel Inquiry, the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel is a fact finding mission

So, for the purposes of truth and reconciliation, and to finally come to terms with a very dark chapter in the history of the British press, all journalists with information should come forward and confidentially contact the panel.

contactus@dmip.gsi.gov.uk