Bremner criticised over phone hoax

Peter Hain hit out at the TV impressionist Rory Bremner yesterday, accusing him of "breeding cynicism" after a stunt in which Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary, was tricked into gossiping about senior government figures.

Mrs Beckett was said to be extremely annoyed after receiving a telephone call from Bremner masquerading as Gordon Brown during which she made indiscreet remarks about the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, and other cabinet colleagues.

Bremner had tried to trick Mr Hain two days before Mrs Beckett but he quickly realised it was a hoax. Mr Hain told the BBC's Sunday AM programme: "It was pretty clear to me quite quickly into the conversation it was not Gordon Brown. I didn't know for certain it was Rory..."

The Northern Ireland Secretary angrily clashed with Bremner after the impressionist accused Mr Hain of being a former leftwinger who was being impersonated by someone who supported the war on Iraq and replacement of the Trident weapon system.

"You do a great job breeding cynicism and knocking down everybody," said Mr Hain. "Don't start making accusations against me. I stand by my principles ... I don't question your honesty and let's have a bit of fair play'."

The Foreign Secretary was duped into believing she was taking a call from Mr Brown after it was switched to her by the No 10 switchboard. The callerasked for her advice on a reshuffle on polling day at the 2005 general election.

Mrs Beckett said she did not remember the call but added that Bremner would be guilty of an "unprincipled and unpleasant breach of privacy" if it was true.

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