Independent Press Regulator

The findings from the Leveson Inquiry have laid bare the disturbing disregard for decency, privacy, and fairness displayed by sections of the press. While the inquiry’s recommendations offered a roadmap to restoring trust and accountability, successive Conservative-led governments regrettably chose to shelve vital reforms. What we now have is a fragmented and wholly inadequate system of regulation, where self-interest is allowed to override the public interest. 

IPSO, the industry’s favoured regulator, has repeatedly shown itself to lack the teeth or independence to hold publishers to account. Meanwhile, IMPRESS remains the only regulator which meets the Leveson standards. Having suffered this myself, I can only say that this patchwork system fails not only the victims of press abuse, but the wider public who deserve a media landscape rooted in integrity and truth. 

I have written to the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy MP, to urge the Government to implement the recommendations of the Leveson Inquiry in full. We also urge the Government to commission the second phase – Leveson 2 – to examine the relationship between the press and the police. Such an inquiry must reflect the evolution of the media landscape and address the growing challenges of online misinformation and digital news. 

It is also essential that we establish a level playing field by applying the same standards of regulation to printed press and online news platforms alike. People must be able to rely on accuracy, fairness and transparency, regardless of the medium through which they receive their news. 

If our democracy is to function, let alone thrive, it must be built on a foundation of an accountable and responsible press. The time to act is long overdue.