OfcomWatch interviewed James Purnell this weekend* and got his take on the fake photo controversy. By the way, those of you familiar with the U.S. FCC will recall that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin was involved in a similar photo controversy about a year ago. For details, click here. Anyway, here is what Purnell had to say:

OW: So, let’s get right to it — were you involved in this faked photo?

Purnell: Well, it was a busy day for me, I don’t really recall the circumstances in which…

OW: New Labour spin! Just level with the public! What else has been faked?

Purnell: Well, without admitting any culpability on behalf of HMG, people might be taking this whole London Olympics thing a little too far. People shouldn’t be getting so excited and building facilities. It’s really not that big a deal.

OW: What do you mean? Did London really not win the 2012 Olympics?

Purnell: Define ‘win’. It’s such an ambiguous term, isn’t it? We need to realise that the Olympics is a global event — it doesn’t really matter precisely where the events take place, be it London … or Paris…

OW: So the 2012 Olympics will take place in Paris?

Purnell: Well, if you want to get hyper-technical about it, the Olympics will take place in the EU. And the UK is part of the EU.

OW: One final question. Do you regret your recent statements in which you stressed the importance of trust in the media?

Purnell: Bob Shrum wrote all that. Ask him.

*Actually, James Purnell could not make himself available, so OW interviewed Digital Al. (they actually look alike)