Peers drop bid for new Press probe

PeerS have backed down in their wrangle with MPs over reopening the leveson inquiry into Press standards.

Opposition members of the lords withdrew amendments to the Data Protection Bill – including one which would have forced the Government to hold a ‘mini-leveson’ every three years – after MPs twice rejected attempts to resurrect the inquiry, seen by many as a threat to a free Press.

it puts an end to the latest bout of parliamentary ‘ping-pong’ and leaves the Bill ready to become law.

culture Secretary Matt Hancock made further concessions last week over Press regulation, including regular reports on the effectiveness of low-cost arbitration and how personal data is processed for journalism purposes.

Outlining the changes yesterday, government spokesman lord Keen of elie said the legislation had been thoroughly examined by the lords but warned: ‘We have now run out of road.’ He said the damage done by not passing the Bill would be irreversible and the only winner would be data protection lawyers.

lord Keen added: ‘i am confident this country now has the most robust system of redress for Press intrusion that it has ever had and it has achieved it without resorting to state regulation.’ He warned that General Data Protection regulation was due to take effect on Friday and not passing the Bill could have a ‘chaotic’ impact, with the lords being held responsible.

But liberal Democrat lord Mcnally dismissed his warnings, insisting the Government would get its business through parliament.

lord lester of Herne Hill, who is a non-affiliated ex-lib Dem peer, said the Bill was now ‘fit for purpose’.