Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

WEASEL WORDS

Saturday 13 November 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Independent on Sunday is on a weasel hunt - to expose the fibs, lies, and obfuscations used by the powerful to justify and excuse themselves. E-mail us at weaselwords@ independent.co.uk. Or write to 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL. Here is a choice of Weasels of the Week:

"She wanted people with children to be aware ... to get the truth across to the biggest possible audience." - Max Clifford on the motive of his client, Mrs X, who accused Gary Glitter of sexually abusing her as a child. The News of the World reputedly offered her pounds 25,000 for her story if Glitter were convicted.

13 November

"I have had a bit of flu recently and that's laid me low." - Mo Mowlam after The Mirror's story claiming she hated her new job as Cabinet enforcer. - `Independent', 12 November

"Vodaphone AirTouch continues to evaluate a broad range of opportunities to participate in the further consolidation of the global wireless market including possible ways to develop Vodafone AirTouch's existing long standing relationship with Mannesmann." - Vodaphone news release after reports that the firm is preparing a pounds 60m hostile bid for the German company.

12 November

"We will ensure that pensioners have a voice at the heart of government." - Gordon Brown's pre-election promise, published on the day the mini- budget gave pensioners a 75p weekly rise.

`The Mirror', 11 November

"I'm afraid it's tradition." - A spokeswoman from the Foreign Office on why the Gurkhas would again be snubbed at the remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, despite the fact that thousands gave their lives fighting in the British army.

`The Mirror', 9 November

Research: JONATHAN THOMPSON

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in