Leveson report

The main topic of interest in Westminster over the last fortnight has been the eagerly awaited Leveson report. The subject of press regulation is one that fascinates journalists and politicians but reaction to the issue from others can be mixed.

What is essential is that in order for there to be a free society we must have a free press that is not state controlled. For many years Parliament has looked to the press to regulate itself and provide its own code of conduct which is enforced by the Press Complaints Commission. Unfortunately, this approach has failed. The PCC has lacked the necessary independence and powers to act as a deterrent against irresponsible press behaviour. The PCC needs to change and be given sanctions including the power to fine editors who breach their codes of practice. This approach is largely what Leveson proposes in his report but he believes that this approach should be underpinned through statute. I would however prefer to see if this can be achieved without the necessity of legislation. This would leave us with a press than is overseen by an independent group, free from state control but accountable if it oversteps the boundaries of decency that we all want to see.

The problems that led to the creation of The Leveson enquiry came from national and not local media. So I hope we can find a way of applying the new Leveson rules to just the national outlets. It is essential that we allow robust investigative journalism to continue and for the vast majority of time this already takes place within a responsible framework. Yet when there are examples of the worst kind of conduct then it is right that there are appropriate consequences.