by political editor Paul Francis

Two Kent MPs will be at the centre of today’s crucial Parliamentary meetings into the hacking scandal that has engulfed the Metropolitan Police, the government and News International.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins is a member of the all-party media select committee that is to grill Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks this afternoon.

It is the first time Rupert Murdoch has faced MPs in over 40 years of media ownership in the UK.

Earlier, Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless will be among backbenchers on the home affairs select committee who will be questioning the former Met Police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson over the hacking scandal and claims that police were paid by the News Of The World.

The meetings are expected to generate huge interest but there are concerns that MPs could be frustrated in trying to uncover what went on and in particular whether Parliament was misled by the News of The World and police.

Rebekah Brooks was arrested and bailed by police at the weekend. She may decline to answer questions if they might jeopardise any investigation.

The Home Affairs select committee begins at 12.30pm, with the Media select committee beginning at 2.30pm.

Our political editor Paul Francis will be reporting on this afternoon’s meetings on Twitter @PaulOnPolitics