Co-operative suspends News of the World advertising
The Co-operative has announced it is suspending its advertising with News of the World until the results of the phone-hacking investigation are known.
The Co-operative Group was one of the advertisers targeted on Twitter to stop advertising with the newspaper following allegations that a private investigator hacked into the mobile phone of murdered teenager Milly Dowler in 2002.
There has since been allegations involving the hacking of phones belonging to the families of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, and the families of 7/7 bombing victims.
Lloyds bank, Renault, Ford, Virgin Holidays and Mumsnet have also cancelled advertising for the time being.
A press release by the Co-operative group said: “The Co-operative Group has taken the decision to suspend temporarily any further advertising and promotional activity with the News of the World until the outcome of the investigation is known.
“The Group is a consumer-owned business which adheres to strong ethical standards. These allegations have been met with revulsion by the vast majority of members who have contacted us.
“We would urge everyone involved to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion for the sake of all those who are affected by these events.”