Leveson 2 axe could backfire

I passionately believe in the freedom of the press.

It plays a vital role in informing us of what’s happening in our communities, highlighting injustices and campaigning for change. Such an example was the Mirror’s successful campaign with Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson to change the law on organ donations.

But in the pursuit of news and sales, some newspapers crossed the line of legitimate public interest and broke the law.

The actions of a minority led to the Government setting up the Leveson Inquiry. Leveson’s three main recommendations were for an independent state-recognised press regulator. The second was to make papers cover the costs of press complaints IF newspapers

I’m sad to see that, because more and more people are buying their gifts online, Toys R Us is going to close. My grandkids loved going there to pick birthday presents and find suggestions for their letters to Santa. But I always kept mispronouncing the name as Taurus. And

that’s no bull.

didn’t sign up to this independent regulator. And the third was a Phase Two of the Leveson Inquiry to look at the relationship between the press and the police.

Parliament and government agreed to all three Leveson recommendations. But sadly this week May’s government decided to drop the recommendations.

This was a terrible mistake. Judge Sir Brian Leveson wrote to ministers saying the extent of wrongdoing was far greater than the first inquiry was told and that they were breaking a promise to phone-hacking victims.

All three recommendations, could be brought back. Tomorrow the Commons will debate Lords amendments to the Data Protection Bill. The Government must think long and hard about choosing to reject them.

If it’s subsequently revealed criminal activity took place, May’s government will look like it’s tried to sweep it under the carpet.

Papers believe in exposing the truth. So should politicians.

WIN Mirror backed MP Robinson