The former MP, George Galloway, has confirmed he is preparing another legal action against the publishers of the now defunct News of the World, which was closed in July amid accusations of phone-hacking - just days after receiving an undisclosed pay-out for being adjuged to have had his phone hacked.

The Herald on Saturday reported he was considering further legal action "in connection with an alleged encounter with the 'Fake Sheikh' in a London hotel", the 'Fake Sheikh' being the former tabloid's investigation editor, Mazher Mahmood.

And in his column today in the Daily Record - under the headline, 'The sun must set on this venal Murdoch dynasty' - Galloway writes: "I refused to give an undertaking that I would not pursue other actions against the empire and I can tell you I am now preparing just such an action against the 'Fake Sheikh' ...", adding: "Cry havoc: I'm back on the warpath against the dogs of Wapping."