Summer may only just be coming to an end but — like the ever-earlier shop displays of Christmas lights and festive reindeer — the season of peace on earth and goodwill to all men has already come to Westminster. In an interview for this week’s Catholic Herald, the crusading Labour MP Tom Watson, who led the charge against News International, has magnanimously declared that he bears no grudges.
The Dial M for Murdoch author says that former News of the World editor and No 10 communications director Andy Coulson — whom Watson once described as “a criminal at the heart of Downing Street” — now “has my forgiveness”.
“I don’t think he needs it — I’m not sure he’d want it — but yes, I forgive him,” says Watson. “I hope he can take responsibility for his actions and go on to have a productive life. I don’t want his life to be over.” Charitable words for a man jailed for the phone-hacking conspiracy and who still faces a second trial on allegations of perjury.
Watson also uses the interview to refute the idea of him as “courageous” in his battle with the Murdoch empire. “I was scared. All the time. That doesn’t feel like real courage to me but I didn’t honestly feel like I had a choice.”
Perhaps the MP’s colleagues might like to follow his example and resolve some longstanding feuds before the House returns from hols in the autumn. Michael Fabricant could finally forgive Speaker John Bercow for not calling on him to speak during a debate. Michael Gove could pen an apology to Home Secretary Theresa May for slagging off her staff and forcing her key aide to resign.
Best of all, David Miliband could take a look at his brother’s predicament and extend an olive branch over being pipped to the leadership. The Londoner is prepping the mistletoe in anticipation.
