Leveson: News Corp lobbyist's veiled threats to 'do over' Lib Dems if BSkyB bid blocked The Business Secretary claims his references to a "war on Murdoch" relate to the fact that his Liberal Democrat colleagues were being constantly approached by News Corporation lobbyists in an "inappropriate" way. Under examination from Rhodri Davies QC, a lawyer for News International, Dr Cable was unable to give any more details about when and to whom the "veiled threats" were made. "Without knowing who is supposed to have been threatened and when it's extremely difficult for mr Michel or anyone else to respond," Mr Davies said. Dr Cable said he was simply explaining why he was "seriously disturbed about the way News International was operating," rather than "seeking to build up a case against Fred Michel."