Gordon Brown: "This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised. Ofcom have said they will investigate the matter and it is for the BBC, the BBC Trust and Ofcom to take any appropriate action."

David Cameron: "I think the BBC have got some very straightforward questions to answer. The main question is why did they allow this programme to be broadcast, given that it was pre-recorded? So we need to know who made the decision to broadcast it. How high up the editorial chain did it go? Who examined it? Why did they conclude that it should be broadcast? The BBC needs to be transparent about how it takes decisions and explain its decision-taking process so that everyone can see what more needs to be done."

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham: "I welcome the fact that the BBC is investigating and has already apologised for what it now acknowledges was unacceptable."

Tory MP John Whittingdale, chairman of the culture, media and sport select committee: "The most serious question is not the fact they did it, but in the way the BBC dealt with it. A senior editorial figure approved it, which was a serious error of judgment."

Justice minister David Hanson: "I do feel that both Mr Ross and Mr Brand do have to make an apology with regard to the broadcast that was made. I don't think it was appropriate. I don't think it was in keeping with broadcasting."

Tory MP Nadine Dorries: "Why do we expect people who are worried about whether or not they can afford their mortgage and Christmas, to pay £140 for a licence fee to hear the vulgar and lewd outpourings of Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand? The BBC should terminate its contracts with Brand and Ross and immediately suspend those who were responsible for letting the transmission of this broadcast go ahead."

Labour MP Andrew Mackinlay and Tory MP Nigel Evans tabled a parliamentary motion condemning the phone calls. The motion said the behaviour of Brand and Ross was "base and vulgar", "diminishes the reputation of the BBC and should not be funded by the licence fee".

BBC director of audio and music Tim Davie admitted the programme was "unacceptable", saying: "I want to calmly and thoroughly, and with some urgency, get to the bottom of the facts. At that point we'll take action."

Radio 2 head of live music, events and talent Lewis Carnie: "The BBC was absolutely right to apologise. We must do an internal review and see what we find."

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