THE Leveson Inquiry into Press standards is being urged to resist any temptation to recommend state regulation of newspapers.
Writing in today’s Sunday Mail, former Labour MP, Brian Wilson, says that, while he has always been sceptical of self-regulation through bodies like the Press Complaints Commission, state regulation is a worse option.
The Inquiry was set up following the demise of the News of the World last year amid allegations of phone-hacking.
Says Wilson: “It would be the ultimate irony if the demand for stronger media regulation constrained those who use journalism as a force for good while the villains would find new tricks and carry on as before, once the hubbub dies down.”
And he later adds: “As we have seen in the ongoing case of the News of the World, the law is well capable of catching up with alleged offenders, when it chooses to do so. No additional regulations are necessary.
“The Press faces tough times with the internet transforming the way information is received. Yet the failings of the internet offer the best argument for maintaining a strong and vigilant Press, providing reliable information and commanding public trust.”
