Peers abandon bid to defy MPs and force through new Leveson inquiry

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 inquiry’ 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 regulation, including regular reports on the effectiveness of lowcost arbitration and how personal data is processed for journalism purposes.

He was forced to make amendments after peers sent the Bill back to the commons demanding a further investigation into the relationship between the media and police, among other issues.

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.

But liberal Democrat lord Mcnally insisted the Government was sure to get its business through parliament and there was nothing wrong in asking the commons to think again.

lord lester of Herne Hill, who is a non-affiliated peer, said the Bill was now ‘fit for purpose’ and further amendments were unnecessary and unprincipled.