Move a threat to free speech

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has put forward an amendment to the Bill to set up a huge new statutory inquiry into the media

Critics say the move will be a massive burden on the taxpayer and will inevitably lead to more measures that are damaging to free speech

There is also the threat of financial penalties for those who did not sign up to a state-approved press regulator. The only accredited body is Impress, which is backed by the former F1 boss Max Mosley

Most publications have signed up to Independent Press Standards Organisation, the independent regulator funded by media organisations

Under Labour deputy leader Tom Watson’s amendment, those who do not sign up through the royal charter system are liable for the complainant’s court costs in a data protection action, regardless of who wins the case

While there are exemptions for Scottish newspapers, 85% of local titles north of the border would still be affected

• Some MPS also want to end journalists’ exemption from data protection rules, which are necessary for protecting the anonymity of sources

• The UK Government is opposed to the changes but, without the support from another party, can be defeated on the amendments

• 65% of local editors said it had become harder to access and publish information in the public interest since the publication of the Leveson Report in November 2012, according to a survey by News Media Association